Depression is a Dragon

Dragons are fundamentally reptiles and reptiles are unique in that they can live quite some time without food or drink.  They grow by shedding their skin.  Just before this growth, they lie quite still and their outer covering begins to slough. You might think they are at death’s door and no longer needs their linctus.  At this time, they look not the least bit frightening and you might even feel sorry for them.  You want to tuck them into a comfortable bed and let them sleep late into the day, even until noon because they seem like they need more rest.  You give them special treats because they seem so sad and you just want to cheer them up: soda, donuts, white bread.  They seem as if they should be tucked in early but they can’t sleep after all that sugar so, you give them an Ambien CR.  Just once, but they sleep in again and look even more pitiful.  They’re so tired you don’t make them go out for a walk.  They don’t want to eat so you give them another treat because they have to eat something.  The cycle continues until, one morning, the dragon opens its fierce yellow eyes, unfolds its glittering wings, splitting its desiccated hide to reveal strong, supple armor.  It grasps you in its razor sharp talons and you are in the fight of your life. 

Kick, scream, call out for assistance with all your might.  You are not alone.  You have more friends than you realize.  Melancholy is a dragon and dragons are helpless against the stubborn love of a friend like me.  I know you don’t feel brave right now, but I do.  Sometimes it takes a while for a dragon to go back to sleep (they almost never die) but I know lots of lullabies and, while I don’t sing well, I sing loud and I will never give up on you.