"You aren't alone."
Yeah? Sure feels like I am; Completely and utterly alone. If it wasn't for this appointment, I'd probably still be in bed, staring at the ceiling, doing nothing. I haven't eaten and my stomach growls. Despite my attempt to hide it, she notices and it sparks a series of questions.
"When did you eat last?"
"I don't know. Last night?"
This is a lie. Or at least, I think it is. Did I eat last night? I can't remember.
"Last night? What did you have?"
I look around the room for inspiration. There's a stock photo on the wall of a family eating take out. It makes me salivate so I go for that.
"Pizza."
"Did you go out and buy one?"
"No."
This I do remember. I haven't been outside for a few days. But I can't remember what I've been up to. Not a damned thing.
"That's okay. You can expect to have some days when you don't want to go outside. Have you been doing any exercise?"
"No. Too tired."
"That's fine too. You may feel tired a lot but if you eat regularly, that may be able to give you a boost." She shuffles her papers. "Your doctor probably told you but your prescription has been adjusted so you'll have to go pick it up. Or I can get someone to bring it around if you feel bad.
"Okay."
"Our next appointment will be in about a month okay?"
"Yes."
"Don't forget about your check up either. That's next Wednesday."
"Okay."
"You're making good progress. Keep it up."
And so she leaves.
YOU ARE READING
Ups and Downs
General FictionIan has depression. He feels pretty hopeless and doesn't know how he's going to cope with any of it.
