Comfortably Numb

Hello?
Is there anybody in there?
Just nod if you can hear me.
Is there anyone home?
Come on, now.
I hear you're feeling down.
Well I can ease your pain,
Get you on your feet again.
Relax.
I need some information first.
Just the basic facts,
Can you show me where it hurts?
There is no pain, you are receding.
A distant ship's smoke on the horizon.
You are only coming through in waves.Pink Floyd

Pink Floyd's lyrics for Comfortably Numb can give someone who has never suffered from clinical depression a brief glimpse to what it's like sometimes. You ask the question of yourself, where are you? Where are the feelings? There is no anger, no joy, and no passion for the injustices of the world. Is there anybody home?

The real you seems to come through only in waves. I made a mistake after Hurricane Katrina in not continuing the drug treatment that I had to start once again back in July. I am now paying the price. I hate this depression. For someone who is usually optimistic and ready with a joke most of the time, this is the most offensive thing to be cursed with.

Some may argue that it's merely a pattern of thinking that leads to the episodes of depression. I say, hogwash! In my case, it hits without reason. This dis-ease is an affront to everything I hold dear: the preciousness of life, the joy of life, and the bountiful gifts that G-d brings to life.

A ship's smoke is on the horizon. It's coming closer to shore and soon I'll be able to get rid of this numb feeling. Comfortably numb is not something I've ever been except when the grey curtain of the depression descends. L'chaim!