Depression Support Group
Depression is a real and debilitating condition that is often misunderstood by family and friends. Its meaning can range from a prolonged period of sadness to an actual mental illness with specific symptoms. Find and share experiences with others who are going through the same struggles.
look for help about feeling better if you have the energy. well done for posting on here! i wish i could help you more but i'm not an expert and these things are complex. be kind to yourself.
Anyway what I think you're getting, (not because I'm a professional, which I'm not - but because I'm a co sufferer) is depressive episodes. They're kind of cyclic but that's not a reason to believe it's bipolar or anything, it's just that we go in cycles and have emotional rythms through the year. And you're having dark periods, probably at low energy times?
You can get medication if you like but that only deals with symptoms, it doesn't fix causes. I would get a counsellor if I were you, and start trying to talk about it. Gauge how you feel about the counsellor by whether they seem to talk sense or not , or if they're into weird jingoisms and crystal waving and general idiocy. The ones that nod lots and go 'uh huh' and smile and repeat back the last sentence are the ones I absolutely can't stand. But there are practical people out there who can help unravel and when you find someone good that you can trust, it's unbelievably worth it.
:)