Iphi,
I just found this post and wanted to say I have the same thing happen each month with my *female affliction.* I have two or three days when the world seems as bleak as bleak can be and I am realizing now it is not something I can control, but it is something I can let roll off of me.
When I hadf my sciatica last month, I blamed myself fretfully and felt I deserved it for this and for that. I often feel when something happens to me that I deserve it. I know where this comes from - my parents. If they see a horrible news item, they are always quick to jump in and say the victim must have deserved whatever fate they received. It doesn't matter how innocent the person - it is always their fault. So I tend to think that way about myself now.
Iphi, I do what you said - I just realize I am there and turn away from the darkness. I think there is no other way. But I also think that as you have more practice, you fall in the hole a lot less often.
Lots of love, Iphi.
Beth