so·lil·o·quy
səˈliləkwē/

1. Sadness is not an unfamiliarity to the human race. The bitter aftertaste of tragedy has branded itself upon our tongues after overflowing from a seemingly endless well and yet, Sadness is manageable. Sadness allows itself to be controllable. One can look towards Hope and bask in its ray as it radiates down upon you and evaporates your Sadness. Joy can be found in the smallest nooks and crannies of existence, and Joy can strike down Sadness where it stands. Sadness can be cured because it allows itself to be.
   Synonyms: Universal. Comprehensibility. Familiar.
   
   
2. Do not compare the depth of the ocean to the shallow end of a puddle. Do not compare the rage of a forest fire to the soft glow of a candle. The water drowns and the fire scorches and Depression suffocates. A parasite that blooms from the cranium, coils itself around the lungs and suffocates its host. The rays of Hope shine upon the sufferers, but Depression will see to it that they never bask in its warmth. Joy steps up time and time again to defeat this parasitic disease but will never win on its own. Depression snuffs out Hope. Depression slaughters Joy. Depression does not allow itself to be defeated.
   Synonyms: Easy answers. Willful ignorance. Feigned empathy.
   
   
3. I beg of you to understand the silent wars being fought within us. I beg of you to allow yourself to see the coils wrapped around our lungs. I beg of you to listen to our pleas and offer a single ray of kindness. Your lungs may be free, but if the light fails to reach those around you, I beg of you, guide them towards it. Depression whispers putrid lies to its host as it tightens its hold around our chests and convinces us that Joy is nonexistent in this world. Tell me, what is a world without Hope? What is a world without Joy? What is a world where breathing becomes burdensome and the simple act of living becomes grueling?
   This is the illusion Depression has us believing. This is the world we exist in.
   Seeing is believing is a trickster cliche; it only becomes applicable when the sight is benign. And, my friend, Depression is anything but benign.
   Synonyms: Mercy. Sympathy. Compassion.
   
   
4. I had drawn my sword, named it Courage, and sliced through Depression's tendrils. I have fought for a decade to free my lungs from its hold. I have fought to feel Hope shine upon me and Joy's warm embrace because I never let myself believe they were gone. I battled the parasite because I knew, I knew, one day I would feel them again; that I would break free of my parasite's hold of me.
   Depression died by my hands.
   The parasite is gone, my lungs free, and my world bright again, Hope and Joy entered my life once more and I greeted them like old friends. Together, we walk hand in hand, basking in the glow of victory.
   Never believe ones who say they are unbeatable. Those who boast of invulnerability fall the hardest.
   Synonyms: Vanquishing. Triumphant. Leading.
   
   
5. This is my soliloquy to those whose lungs are ensnared. To those who are famished for light and its warmth upon your skin. To those who have forgotten Joy's sweet melody. Because I can tell you with certainty they are still present, and they are waiting for you. When the thoughts begin to storm as Depression whispers its ugly, ugly lies to you, remember that Hope and Joy still exist.
   Believe that they're there. Believe that even if you cannot see it, they exist.
   Believe that your life is cherished and your life is valuable.
   The sun will continue to kiss the horizon good morning and the stars will continue to dance across the evening sky, but we do not want them without you.
   Depression is a formidable disease, but believe that it can be conquered.
   Joy and Hope are waiting for you.
   I and countless others are here holding your hand, guiding you towards the light.
   Synonyms: Loving. Healing. Living.