Train journey
This is a post about the day I met Depression on the train.
I’ll just add an image to cheer us up..
One day, I went down to collect the mail.
To my surprise a letter had arrived addressed to me.
I opened it and discovered I had been offered a journey to Recovery.
A quick search online told me that such invitations are rare, and should not be passed over under any circumstances.
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Excited, I began to pack.
On the day appointed, I called a taxi, made my way to the Train Station,
and settled in my carriage.
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A gentleman came in, sat down and began to read a newspaper.
What are you doing here?
I am coming too.
No, you are not. This is a journey to Recovery.
You are Depression and you are not allowed.
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Depression looked cross.
I am coming.
But why?
Well, I have been living with you for a long time.
I’m used to you.
I have a nice life with you.
I’m not leaving.
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Yes, you are!
I am on my way to Recovery.
It is important that I leave you behind.
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Depression raised his eyebrows, and proceeded to read the newspaper.
So I gave him dirty looks.
Finally, he lowered the newspaper.
I don’t care if you don’t like me.
I’m coming.
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For the last time, you are not supposed to be here.
For the last time, I am coming.
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That was that.
I got off at the last Station.
Depression followed behind.
He had the grace not to stay in the same Hotel,
but did stay nearby.
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Every time I went to a cafe, he would sit near.
I would see him sipping his coffee.
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When I went to see the sights,
there he would be complete with a map, a tourist guide.
He even showed up at the Opera.
He was dressed up in a coat and tails,
all spruced up and confident.
He ignored me,
ignored my appeals to leave me alone.
I even wrote him a letter.
It was no good.
I am still glad I accepted my Invitation to Recovery.
I am grateful for the new experiences.
But I wish Depression had stayed behind.
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This is a post about Recovery, and how Depression can remain with us.
I understand I have made steps forward, but Depression is still part of my life.
I would be easier if Depression had been left behind,
However, it still exists in my life in some form,
although perhaps not as severe as the first experience.
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Perhaps, all illnesses leave a mark.
When people recovered from Tuberculosis in the past,
they still felt cold on a warm day, and had a tendency to get a cold or the flu.
I did not expect Depression to follow me into Recovery.
I really believed I could completely recover, and forget Depression.
However, that has not been the reality.
I still rely on coping skills to fall back on when Depression strikes.
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