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Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic disease requiring changes in the behaviour of the entire family. The responsibility for implementing doctor’s recommendations falls mainly upon the mother. The aim of this study is to assess the psychosocial functioning of mothers of children with DM compared to mothers of healthy children. The study involved 120 mothers: 60 with children with DM and 60 with healthy children. Data were collected using an original social-demographic questionnaire developed by the authors as well as Antonovsky’s Sense of Coherence Scale (SOC-29), Schwarzer and Schultz’s Berlin Social Support Scales (BSSS), Rosenberg’s Self-Esteem Scale (SES), and Zigmond and Snaith’s Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). The assessment scales were standardised and accredited by the Polish Psychological Association. The results suggest that DM in children has no effect on the psychosocial functioning of mothers regarding their self-esteem and sense of coherence. However, mothers of children with DM are well-prepared for living in a difficult situation. Social support offered to mothers of diabetic children helps them to maintain their psychosocial health.

Some elderly commit suicide due to the interaction of various factors including, for example, feelings of loneliness, financial distress, alcohol abuse, chronic pain, progressive diseases, and personality disorders. The data from the EU countries with the highest rates of suicide and suicide attempts among people over 55 years of age warrant the consideration of new approaches to address this social problem. Method: PubMed and other databases including Polish National data were used for the analyses. Results: The average European suicide-attempt rate is 18 per 100 thousand inhabitants. More cases of suicides were reported among those over 55 years of age. Suicide attempts from 2012 to 2014 and deaths in 2012 have been reviewed. The risk factors involved in these events such as, depression, social situation including loneliness, health condition, etc., have been discussed to suggest a plausible preventative approach for this important elderly problem. Conclusion: The psychophysiology of elderly persons affected by retirement, socio-economic changes, limited personal autonomy, loneliness, lack of support by the family, and diseases ultimately may lead elderly persons to commit suicide. Thus, financial freedom, family support (respect, love, and care), proper medications, psychological, and psychiatric interventions may help the elderly avoid suicidal thoughts and prevent attempts.

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