Yeah, I wanted to point out that there are some people from Africa here on the forum
I agree that in times of other extreme conditions, food and shelter and health come first...
Some people did report that people in 'less developed' countries were apparently happier... (obviously probably not where there is extreme hunger/war and such..) Though suicide rates almost disappeared before World War II and such.. Apparently people felt there was something worth fighting for, or just joined the army...?
In Western societies, alienation and unhealthy overprocessed food and too much TV/computer usage and society/media pressure on who to be etc. and environmental pollution can be a problem..
Industrialized nations deal with some unhappy problems from the past, eg heavy metals from chemical industries etc.. (heavy metals => mental problems..) Trouble is many times these days the problems are exported to Africa/Asia.. (eg toxic e-tech, old computers and such..) So I think there will be more health and mental health problems in Africa too..
Funky, YAY you're back!!
((hugz)) Don't think it's easy being a 'poor white girl' - the pressures can be immense!! 'We're offering you all this' and all that.. (and in exchange, you must succeed and make all OUR dreams come true and give up who you are and look like Barbie doll and oh, don't forget smiling!!)
I sometimes wished to be a sassy & empowered African Queen!!
See Oprah & others - great role models!! Also, because of history of opression, there is a source of pride in one's abilities and overcoming adversities...
I wonder if nutritional and lifestyle factors are different too..?
It doesn't make anyone immune I guess, it's interesting to see the % though!!