[soccerdad]

Ok....from what I understand of depression it is a continual cycle of despair that can physically and emotionally stop you in your tracks. Just to be clear I do not live like this.

My issue is this. Every once in a while I drop into this deep sadness that I can't pull myself out of. I lose my appetite, can't sleep, don't want any contact with anyone (not even my wife & kids) and my head is just filled with thoughts of how I'm not good enough, nobody likes me, I have no friends etc. I also occasionally have thoughts of ending it all as well.

Usually these episodes last 1-3 days and then I come out of it. There is no regularity to them and I've never really thought about what could trigger it. My most recent episode occurred over the last 2 days. I have taken the step of recording anything out of the ordinary that occurred to maybe find common triggers.

I have never really worried about this before now but I recently read an article regarding the death and depression of Robin Williams. It talked about how he came from a broken home, always had to hide behind his jokes and no one really saw his true side. There were other things as well but the more I read, the more I found those traits in me as well. I honestly was a little scared.

Basically what I am asking here is does anybody else suffer these same symptoms and is this a normal occurrence or should I be worried?

[regretful]

Hello...I know those feelings of despair. Perhaps it is depression, but as many note here, only a qualified professional should diagnose it. It certainly sounds like it is, especially the sadness, and changes in appetite and sleep patterns...but get an evaluation; sometimes just having the question answered by someone can help alleviate some of the problems.