COMMENT: In 1970, the year I was born, Janis Joplin joined The 27 Club. That's the group of high-profile musicians whose unresolved struggles resulted in their deaths at the age of 27. It's a sadly familiar story for many Kiwis, famous or not. We have tragically high rates of suicide in New Zealand, alongside growing rates of depression.
Mental health is now recognised as a crucial aspect of wellbeing. It's great that we're talking about it more, but we have lots of work to do. And for people in crisis, immediate help is needed.
Which is why suicide crisis and counselling helpline Lifeline has embarked on its new campaign, The 72 Club. They're taking songs made famous by 27 Club members, and re-making them with a group of older New Zealanders - people who've been fortunate enough to live long and happy lives, and still have plenty of life in them yet. The idea is that the more people Lifeline can help when they're in overwhelming distress, the more people can have the support they need to recover and go on to live to 72 and beyond.
My parents both turn 72 this year. The older I get, the more I appreciate the gift that life – long, healthy life – is, and that it's not something we can take for granted. Looking after our mental health is an important aspect of that, and food and lifestyle can make a difference.
It's important to note: there is no credible nutrition expert who would say that diet can cure depression. Depression is a multi-factorial disease, and if someone is depressed they need help from a mental health professional, which may also include medication.
