Title : Acedia: Anergia, apathy, asociality, and alexithymia in nurses
Abstract:
Acedia was the term used during Mediaeval times to describe a person exhibiting laziness, depression, anxiety, sadness, and apathy in the face of completing work known to be in need of completion. Acedia frequently emerged after the afternoon meal. A person knew how to do the good work required, understood that the work must be completed, but volitionally could not motivate oneself to accomplish the necessary task(s). Christians in the fifth century called this phenomenon the “Noon-day Demon” as people became apathetic, anergic, isolative, sleepy, and negligent toward daily work completion in the afternoon. This reflects the contemporary mid-afternoon lull between 1:00 and 3:00 PM experienced by nurses, students, people in all professional disciplines, and laborers. People seek coffee, soda, energy drinks enhanced with caffeine, candy, doughnuts, and chocolate as a “3:00 PM pick-me-up” to combat somnolence and fatigue. This Mediaeval Noonday Demon is affecting contemporary nurses after lunch, throughout the day, and well into the night. Acedia is observed today as nurses complain of insomnia, somatic manifestations, psychological disorders, absent socialization, family disharmony, and emotional pain. Nurses attempt to navigate work, social, personal, and family obligations without time, energy, or resources. Some nurses sadly leave their positions, abandon the discipline of nursing, and give up on life. Nurses need selfcare plans, collegial interaction, employer dedication, and disciplinary resolve to heal the experience of acedia.
