I don't know if you believe in a "Higher Being" or "Religion", but a good place to start is the Psalms in the Bible. And then head over to Proverbs. Both are good "up to date" books that teach us to not rely on others for our self worth - and how to be a good person, despite all the horrible people around us.

I totally agree with "book smarts don't equate with emotional smarts". I read a book called "The Emotional Intelligence of Children" when my kids were young....and although I have 3 "mediocre" sons (rated on society's scale) - I KNOW they have good hearts and will never cheat, and will always treat their wives/family with respect. That - to me - means, I was successful at raising them.

And to your question, I would say yes...it is common for people to just have to pull themselves out of "this" on their own. No one else fully understands or can relate to what YOU are going through, because YOU are an individual - with YOUR own experiences....both good and bad. YOU have to make them what they are - either good (learn and do better), or bad (learn and move on).