I was speaking to some friends the other day and we were all alerted by the fact of how many people we individually know that are experiencing some form of depression. I open the paper today and I read how obesity, anxiety and depression have replaced meales and mumps as the most common childhood illnesses. What's causing this in our kids? By observing adults I can't help wonder if our quick lifestyle is contributing to people feeling greater pressure and greater isolation. 10-15 years ago we would send a letter or fax and wait for a response, now greater demands are placed on us because of quick technology. The need to perform and be accepted is greater. Perhaps this is filtering down to kids? Do you know someone experiencing this and have any thoughts?

I agree with you Bella.
I just about live online but there is one thing for sure I take time to just "chill out" and enjoy life. Just recently I started to bonsai some plants with my son to get away from the craziness of the world we live in. It's kind of nice to know that it takes years to achieve a result.

hey yeah w.b. stress on in society is overwhelming...older teenagers/ young adults is incredible... my cjildren this age say that there are sooo many pressures...study, assignments due at uni, exams...illegal drugs are so easy to get..ice, marijuana..let alone society's favourites....alcohol and tobacco are abused as a norm.. let alone looking like the "cool" people..the fashion models all look anorexic, no wonder the incidence of anorexia, bulimia etc are skyrocketting.... I've got a friend, a guy, whose son has developed anorexia over the past 8 years.. he's 23 now, very sensitive, a talented graphic artist.... but so hung up about his appearance, his image... very difficult to deal with...

I hear you Kater, I've got a lot of girlfriends who live under this pressure to be a size 8. Not that they would say they have to, but they are never happy with the way they look, even though they are really slim. I'm all for fitness and looking and feeling great, but we base our whole lives on the outward appearance. The fact that more guys are feeling the pressure about their appearance says alot.

On a seperate issue, I was talking to a friend today and we were thinking how nice it would be too stay in bed a whole day and sleep, read and eat, and not do anything. Seems impossible with the many demands. What are some things you wish you could do?

Yes, I personally believe that you are right. I will pray to god that you get what you want.
God bless you!