Both of my children have been diagnosed with depression and ADHD. Bipolar disorder is also suspected but we've just began treatment for the other conditions and time will tell. Aside from the daily stress of helping the kids deal with these disorders, I've found that the isolation we're experiencing just compounds the situation. We live a nice neighborhood in a nice town with great schools. When we moved here last year we were warmly welcomed by our neighbors and I had high hopes of cultivating new friendships for both myself and my children. But kids with depression and ADHD often don't behave according to society's expectations. My kids often express extreme anger, inappropriate language and destructive behavior (throwing things, kicking walls, etc.), no matter who is around. Instead of having fun with other kids, they get angry at them, swear at them and don't feel they're as smart or likable as them. I understand what makes my kids do this, but just try explaining it to your neighbors, who on the surface, all seem to have accomplished, well behaved kids. All I can say is that after a few back yard bar-b-ques and several displays of this behavior, our neighbors want nothing to do with us. I'd like to shout out at them, "It's OK...it's not contageous, and they are getting some help! We're really nice people!" But mental health issues are still whispered about and stigmatized, at least around here. My kids are aware that their behavior is inappropriate and they try to curb it, but it's hard to explain to them why the neighbors don't wave to us anymore and why their kids ignore them at school. I wish people could be more understanding and accepting but I guess they don't want their "normal" kids within a mile of mine. It's just so lonely and isolating, and even if my kids did a complete 180 and behaved like choir boys, the damage is done. Sorry....I just had to vent.