Depression is an infection. You get a normal wound or cut because someone hurt you, and then they don’t take responsibility and apply an anti-septic apology. So the wound begins to fester. Slowly the infection grows, and that wound which may have started out as a paper cut, makes you sicker and sicker.

And then it forms an abscess. A pocket of disgusting emotion pus. And slowly this abscess fills until at last you pop it, and the pus just spills all over everything, coating your memories and view of the world with its slimy negativity.

The disease spreads too. And what began as one small cut becomes an entire systemic infection. Your skin is covered in rashes. You feel the need to pick and scratch at your wounds, only worsening your condition. Your limbs are inflamed and it just takes someone brushing up against you for you to feel intense pain.

As the infection grows, it becomes harder to cure. While at first all that was needed was an apology, then it becomes someone begging for your forgiveness, and then nothing they can do will suffice. Your sickness grows, and your hatred grows. You start to lose hope of a cure.

Yet somewhere out there is a solution. An anti-biotic that will lessen the fever and bring the infection under control. Or your body’s natural antibodies may kick into gear to resist the disease. Maybe you’ll have scars, or you’ll get outbreaks from time to time. Still, you’ll be able to live without as much pain and your original wound will finally be able to heal.

And although you may feel weaker after your sickness. Or more vulnerable. You’ll be stronger because of it. You’ll have a resistance against future sickness. You’ll know how frightening and painful those types of infections can be, and you’ll also know that you can survive them.