Conquering the Monster of Depression

How does one conquer a monster they cannot see or touch?
I never thought I could hurt that much.
No one notices.
No one cares.
And yet everyone wonders
Why we put on airs
Until the darkness is too much to bear.

Who is there to fight the beast away?
It's in your hands only
I am afraid.
Seemingly unconquerable,
It sneers and grunts.
For your peace of mind
Every day it hunts.

With many a counselor and many a pill
It always helps to have a will
But, one day its weak spot you will find
That leads to a life of peace of mind

Four years of trials,
An attempt at my life,
A love affair with the edge of the knife
Until one day
I finally heard
A secret to keeping my sickness at bay.

I know that my journey is far from over
For my memories this simple fact does not cover.
But a myriad of skills that help one to cope
Is what will bring that glimmer of hope.

Effort is the key
To have what it takes
To help one to see
The difference love makes.

I finally have a way to keep
Away from the hope of eternal sleep.
And so the time is due
To share this hope with you.

I hope you will heed
My solid advice
That will cure the need
For every vice.

I could go on,
For my joy abounds.
But for now I am gone
To see what life holds
To keep me around.