Hopeful One
Blessed are the cracked for they are the ones who
Depression can affect you at any age unfortunately. I remember being about five (I know I hadn't started school yet) and sitting on my front porch talking with God about wanting to die and be with him. I'm not sure I understood the finality of it but I knew I didn't want to be where I was.
Another unfortunate thing is most people don't think young children or pre-adolescents can suffer this much so they don't recognize it until sometimes it's too late.
I wish there had been someone in this little girl's life that she could open up to and maybe work through those feelings. Somewhere she felt that she was safe from ridicule and whatever else was going on in her life.
I think part of the problem is that someone who hasn't experienced true clinical depression cannot comprehend the feelings associated with it. I know I have tried to explain it to my mom on several occassions and she's just blown away. Even when I'm feeling 'good', I can barely comprehend the feelings. But in the midst of it, it complelety and utterly changes your mind.