Dear Joy,

Where are you?

How are you? I’m doing okay. I recently found out that I have a serious sickness. It’s called depression. Apparently a lot of people have it, but most of us don’t realize it until it’s too late.

Luckily though, I’ve been prescribed medicine called “counseling”. But it’s really weird and gross and hard to choke down. I manage to, though. I wonder how many people have it. Depression, I mean. Apparently the symptoms are constant sadness, and often feeling extremely unhappy or dispirited. Some side effects are suicidal thoughts.

Do you know anyone who is sick with this disease? I know a couple people, but we don’t talk. It’s awkward. I’m not just going to talk to someone about my sickness, that’s weird. But who knows? Maybe I’ll find someone who feels just as sick as I do. I’ve often only been able to lie on the couch or in bed. Most of the time, I just wake up feeling sad and I want to be happy, but I can’t. I try so hard, but it won’t work! It’s like this disease is holding me down.

It honestly is.

And I don’t know how to stop it.

Any ideas?

Thanks.

Sincerely,
Sanity