Thanks Gok. I agree that depression is dangerous, but it is good that it is at least recognised by many of them.

I think it is very dangerous to see rationality and logic as right, and emotion, however expressed, as wrong. I see these people as simply looking for attention in a new way. Unfortunately our society thrives on extremes and where attention is only given to those who stand out, this makes sense.

Of course, people need to want to be helped before they can be helped, but further ostracising them and persecuting them is not justified. Most of these people are teens or young adults, who are already looking for identity in a world that pushes conformity, consumption and excess, and they have found a group that fits them.

I'd be interested to see how many "grow out of it" so to speak, or continue to stay this way their whole lives.

I think if current counselling/teaching etc systems are failing to deal with this new form of expression, then the systems need to develop and learn that this is real.

It reminds me of the baby-boomers and Gen X constantly criticising Gen Y for their "work ethic", failing to recognise they are a product of the generations that have come before, and failing to validate Gen Y's own way of doing things.

If counsellors etc can tap into the groups, that will make it easier to help them, because the groups are a magnet for kids who feel that their life sucks, and the groups recognise and acknowledge depression. This acknowledgement is more than what the baby-boomers and half of Gen X have been able to manage.