Well I think anyone goes through those spots, some more than others. I've got family that is bi polar. The highs are frightening and so are the lows. For some medication is the cure, others it is how they eat and handle day to day. But most of us, have to handle day to day. I know I hit the skids the other day and just wanted to curl up. It is hard to put yourself out there and harder still to be refused when you finally do. However life goes on.
Mark - Writing and hobbies are ways of coping. Just don't hide and allow yourself to wallow too long. You know i'll find you and lord knows what I might send you to make you smile!
Roan - Any problem you can share lightens the load. Face it, most of us at one point or another hid in the closet afraid of monsters as a child. We had to learn to share our fears and problems and find new ways to handle them other than hoping a light and a parent would rescue us. One thing about GA is there are enough of us at all different ages, and who have been through so many different things that there isn't much that can be discussed that someone can't relate to. We might not all be able to help but you won't often have to look far to find a willing shoulder if you need to cry.
Rustle - Wisdom is always a good thing and glad to see you add your voice.
YB - You would bedazzle a suit? No matter what happens you always find yourself the small fish in someone else's pond. The thing you learn is not to worry about trying to please others, but doing what makes your life worth living.
Joe - We all deal with things and the darkness is a place many of us visit. Some due to bi-polar, others due to depression. The thing is we all need to keep fighting for the hope of something better.