Girls With Supportive Friends Still At Risk For Depression, Anxiety

Much discussion in the popular media recently about an interesting study on the effects of "co-ruminating" (excessive and repetitive discussion of problems with friends, constant venting) on both boys and girls aged 8-15. Both boys and girls seemed to form stronger friendships after this, but girls exhibited moderately increased depression and anxiety as well. Both boys and girls are likely to ruminate with friends when feeling depressed or anxious, but girls are more likely to fall into a circular pattern where ongoing rumination increases depressive and anxious feelings. The media are generally doing a decent job of presenting this, although there are several annoying headlines along the lines of "Girl Talk Bad." What stands out to me is that relatively young children can experience this kind of ongoing depression/anxiety cycle and they experience it even in the midst of a supportive friend network. As we adults do our yoga and guided meditation in efforts to "let go" of our stress, I wonder if this isn't something from which even younger children can also benefit.