One of the important social changes today is the disengagement of communities and the often vast geographical distances between family members. This ultimately leads to both men and women potentially feeling very isolated and alone. This in turn can be a predisposing factor in suicides.

Now we have all pretty much agreed that there is a conditioning of our boys/men to act strong and brave. Therefore coupled with the above described social changes my question is: What are we to do?

I feel a keen sense of despair when I think of those living in their homes separated from family and living in a community who probably for the most part do not even know their lonely neighbor exists. One such example is the elderly folk. They suicide at a rate that rivals the young ones. (Yes I'll note the stats if anyone asks.)

How do we get this busy human race of ours to take a moment and reach out to those in emotional, mental and spirtual pain? I think if we can answer this question we might be on the road to a solution.

Dear Bronwyn,

I for one would like to know more about the 'diet - depression' connection. If you could explain more, I'd be grateful.

Dear TammyJo,

The points you've raised make a lot of sense. Our society today has changed so much. A feeling of alienation must be overwhelming for those without family support.

I don't know how I would manage without my family around me. I remember - how different I used to be -( many, many years ago). I used to get into all sorts of fights.

But, with the help of my family (and counseling), I have learned not to let the little arrows that get fired at me through life, hurt.

I don't ignore them, because I know they're there, but I try to understand why they're there, then forgive them. Then, it becomes a habit. What I have achieved is some kind of tranquility, rather then feeling I have to fight back.

Yes, indeed. Without strong family support - things would be different.I now see myself in a positive light - it could have been so very different - the dark places linger still (like shadows), you know they're there - but you ignore them. All Thanks to the support you've been given.

Foxy

“I for one would like to know more about the 'diet - depression' connection. If you could explain more, I'd be grateful.”

I’m not sure if there’s a general link for everyone, but there’s certainly evidence to suggest that there is a link for those genetically susceptible. There’s a connection to diabetes, so anyone with a history of diabetes in the family may be more predisposed. And there’s a fifty percent chance that people with the predisposition will pass it on to their offspring. As well as genetics, lifestyle factors like stress, diet and fitness also contribute.

Instead of the pancreas producing no insulin as in diabetes, in people with hypoglycaemic disease it produces too much. When sugar is ingested, there’s an initial high spike in blood sugar levels followed by a drop to very low levels. This low level of glucose in the blood means that the brain becomes starved of glucose, which, along with water and oxygen, is essential to its proper functioning. This in turn leads to depression and as well memory impairment, poor concentration and lethargy. A preference for sweet food can be a further indicator of hypoglycaemia. Other symptoms can include anxiety, mood swings and insomnia. If left untreated, it can eventually lead to diabetes.

As well as suffering from the above symptoms, I was noticing I often had a slight inner tremor, which is what took me to the doctor in the first place. He mentioned “low blood sugar” so I came home and did an internet search which turned up a very good Australian website that I have found to be a really useful reference. http://www.hypoglycemia.asn.au/ A good starting point is the Nutrition-Behavioural Inventory listed under “Articles”. It’s a questionnaire for anyone who thinks they might fall into this category.

Foxy (cont)

I’ve cut out sugar, caffeine, alcohol and refined flour and eat smallish quantities of protein and low GI foods every 2 ½ to 3 hours to keep my blood sugar levels on an even keel. I know it sound s drastic but I found I soon adjusted and I wouldn’t go back to my old patterns of eating now for anything. I just feel so much better. At one stage I started to relapse and gradually my sense of wellness lessened so it really did bring home to me that I am on the right track with this.

This is probably far more than you wanted to know! But hopefully you and maybe others too find something useful amongst it. It’s been such a good news story for me but I am well aware that many people are sceptical.

Dear Bronwyn,

Thanks for the info. it was exactly what I was looking for.

I'll let you know if it helps - I'm sure it will.

Thanks again!