Hello,

I'm 17 years old and for the past week I've been battling major depression. The depression comes in waves, and these waves typically last for an hour or two -- sometimes three. The depression is pretty bad. I'm unable to feel happiness or see the point in anything, and to be honest I contemplate suicide when the depression comes on. The depression eventually leaves and I feel like my normal self. I haven't experienced any manic or hypomanic episodes.

I'm not impulsive, aggressive, or angry. I'm able to sleep just fine -- in fact I sometimes oversleep if the depression hits in the morning or at night. It just feels like an emotional roller coaster, and I'm wondering what could be wrong with me? My mother is scheduling an appointment with a mental health professional, but I want to have a rough idea before I visit the doc.

Here is a typical day from this past week:
Wake up
6-8 AM ; Extremely depressed. Tired. Lazy. Questioning Why I'm Alive
8-11 AM; Happy. Normal Self.
11-12 PM ; Random Sadness
12 - 4 PM ; Happy, probably doing an activity
4 - 5PM ; Depressed
5- 9M ; Happy

It started in all honesty about two weeks ago. I was in school [I'm now on winter break] and for 30 minutes each day I'd become randomly depressed. Now the episodes have become longer and more severe.

My family members recognize when I'm depressed but they forget about whats happening once I become happy again.

PLEASE HELP WITH IDEAS