[Smitty]

The fact that you used word like "despair" and "frustration" brought back some not so fond memories of similar feelings I had several years ago. When you are at a point where you are dreading your next game more than looking forward to it, or you never go home after a game satisfied that it was fun, perhaps it's time to take more than a few games off. You might need a sabbatical. When this happened to me, I took 5 years off. It was the best and smartest thing I could have done. I've been back in it for 3 years now and have a totally different mindset. You don't necessarily need to take 5 years off, but perhaps a season or two until you miss it and find it enjoyable again. If it's not fun or enjoyable for you, you're not going to be doing your best for the game.