Ah, So THAT'S Where You've Been Hiding!

Dear Black Hole of Depression,

Your grip is tenacious, I will give you that.  You're a persistent SOB.  I really thought I'd outsmarted you this last time.  You stopped by for a brief visit after miscarriage #3, but quickly went your merry little way.  I was busy, I didn't have time to chat, I understand.  I was a terrible hostess.  I never even offered you the guest bedroom on your travels through town.

But now you're back.  And you seem to have no plans to leave.  You've set up shop, taking over not just that tiny guest bedroom, but leaving all your crap all over the house.  The living room is a wreck, and let's not even get started on the kitchen.  You're eating me out of house and home!  And, for your information, with two dogs and a husband, my bedroom is really crowded as it is.  You should really consider finding somewhere else to sleep.

I guess what I'm trying to say is that I'm surprised to see you, though really I shouldn't be.  Your visits have become fairly predictable, and fall is a favorite time of year for you.  Perhaps I was foolish to believe that your short weekend visit in August was all I would see of you this year.  But -- really -- do you have to make yourself so at home?  Do you have no manners?  Can you not tell when you're not wanted?

You're a clinging little viper, Depression, and you've spent more than your fair share of time in our neck of the woods.  My relationship with my husband is suffering.  My ability to do my job well has been compromised.  I've lost the ability to be nice to people -- you have that annoying way of working your way into every single conversation.  You're the first to find fault -- nothing and no one are ever good enough for you.  You're a pessimistic piss-on-everything problem-finder who pooh-poohs every potential solution before it's even fully proposed!*  And yet, despite my clear distaste for you and everything you stand for, you refuse to leave.

Well, Depression, it's time to pack your bags.  I've had enough.  I've put on a good show for the "outsiders," who really have no idea that you've been wreaking havoc.  And that's fine -- because I can take you down myself.  I may have to call in a few experts, but I've heard that Lexi is a pro** at giving you the boot.  If she's not successful, I've got a few more aces up my sleeve.  I WILL beat you, Depression.  You've got the upper hand right now, but I'm here to tell you that your time is limited.  I may have slacked off a little and let you get a bit out of hand -- but I'm reigning it in.  It's time I got my house -- and my life -- back.

Adios, Depression.  You won't be missed.

Your gracious (soon-to-be-ex) hostess,
Jo


* Alliteration, anyone? :-)
** Bonus points to all of you who got this reference. ;-P