[antareus]

This may sound extreme but one way to choose to view the confusion and depression is that it is a necessary part of growth:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Positive_disintegration

Mind you, even Dabrowski (who created the theory) differentiates between depression that instigates changes vs. depression that leaves you spinning your wheels. I'd venture that anyone who has been seriously depressed has experience with both types.