Hi flameboy13, I didn't have a traumatic event that I feel led up to my depression. However, I have been depressed for as long as I can remember and wasn't diagnosed until my early 20's. Since being diagnosed, I've been treated with medication mostly. I've seen a psychiatrist in the past and this year I started seeing a psychotherapist. Like you said, things can be great (normal) and then for no apparent reason, I can wake up and just feel in total despair. I don't know why this happens. Of course when there's stress, or something significant happens (like a death) it can trigger bad feelings or make depression rise up and take over. I also feel like my life is a constant battle with depression. You feel normal, happy... And then it all disappears and you are left fighting just not to feel miserable. I don't know if this is 'normal'. But I experience this and it seems to be a constant cycle in my life. I too wish I could make the bad moments not last as long. Happiness is glorious and it would be so nice if we could just stay in that place! Whatever it is we are going through, no, you are not alone.