Dear Depression, It has been about 6 months of being away from you I would breathe a sigh of relief but I am afraid to let down my guard If I give you an inch you would take ten miles You are like a lion seeking to devour me You are like a cobra waiting to strike They say that misery loves company You hang around with doubt and despair You are close chums with Anxiety who I know to well I have know you since I was a kid Your connection to me grew stronger in my teens I had a few good years apart from you here and there Then all of a sudden you were back with all your bad friends and my life fell apart again even worse than before You robbed me in regards to my relationships with family and friends Sending me into isolation I have to make it clear I don't want you around I have had a taste of happiness and peace without you I don't want to give it up I will be better without you I will be in the company of family and friends and with other people who understand I will be the one wearing a genuine smile I will be the one encouraging others when they have a bad day I will be a shoulder to cry on for my friends and family or for any one else who needs a friend I will be the one who is grateful for each new day I will be the one who is hopeful that I will part ways with you forever I am the one who is finally pursuing my hopes and dreams That is why I need to be away from you and all your friends Goodbye depression I will not cry, I need to part from you In favor of an improved life I know at times I will have bad days but I had worse ones with you Sincerely, Ann