Hi fred,

I'll bet you can emotionally connect, it's just harder when you're in the depths of depression. Would you harm your wife or children? Of course not. That's love. The fact that you are concerned about your wife's happiness also shows it.

The part of you that feels good is not afraid, is not angry and is naturally open and empathetic and can easily connect with others. You just have to expand the part of you that feels good. That makes everything better.

I don't know about what, exactly a childhood like yours does to someone or how you were self-medicating, but since I'm not seeing a lot of suggestions in this thread, here is something that might help you get started on the upward path. It's what helped me and it works for others too:

http://forums.psychcentral.com/depre...n-escaped.html

It's easy to do and even fun and is a great way to get started on an upward path. Post #74 in the above thread is what I think is the best overall plan if you are depressed

http://forums.psychcentral.com/4162657-post74.html

- vital