While it lives in the dark, it still exists in the daylight. Lying in wait in the shadows, it anticipates any opportunity to strike. Identifying all weaknesses, it learns who you are at your core and attempts to poison your very being, changing you in ways that alters your brain chemistry. It convinces you that this darkness was always inside of you, part of you, that you’ve always felt this way. “What else do you expect?” It whispers to you. “Life is pain and, if you can’t accept that, you’re just too weak”.

An invisible monster that consumes and consumes until there’s nothing left but a shell of what you used to be. Consumes until it finally snuffs you out because “that’s what’s better for everyone”. A “mercy” to the people who love you.

It’s lives in me and it might live in you. It could claim anyone it chooses and make it look like their own will. Silent, yet deafening, leaving you begging for relief. Slowly draining you to constant exhaustion. Leaving you tired. Tired of yourself, tired of life.

Unseen, but a predator all the same. Extinguishing life after life while others still state “it’s all in your head”.