Ay overweigh the life side. For the influence of will in refusing to
surrender to depression may throw the needed hair's weight in favor of
more normal circulation. Depression and emotion may so effect the
sympathetic nervous system as to cause a lowered circulatory activity.
Determination, based on volition, may stimulate a response from the
sympathetic system which will increase heart activity. And certainly,
when it is not a matter of life and death, but a prolonged recovery,
will is a saving grace. The patient who sets all his sick energies to
the task of winning health reaches his goal quicker than the hopeless
and depressed. Perhaps his will merely brings utter relaxation for the
time, forces acceptance of present helplessness only for the sake of
giving the body a better chance to recuperate; but the very fact that it
is acting to hopefully carry out orders lightens by half the nurse's
task of getting him well; and she can encourage this will to co-operate
with the doctor's efforts by suggestion, by her direct
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