I’ll say it again; replace any other affliction with “depression,” and listen to how ridiculous it sounds.
“Have you *tried* not being diabetic?”
“If you get some exercise, your leukemia will go away.”
“You dont have asthma, you just need to smile more.”
I know, I know, cockamamie ideas can flourish without a rational basis, but if black people couldn’t get depression, wouldn’t there be a billion-dollar research effort all up into that, trying to figure out how it worked so depression would stop killing people?!
At least the one “therapist” (sic!) who listened to me describe my symptoms of depression and then leaned over the desk and barked “SNAP OUT OF IT!” was shown the door at her group practice. The thought of this being institutionalized just chills my blood.
You’re here, you’re breathing: you’re awesome. Hang in there.
There CAN be things that help depression lessen. See a psychiatrist first. Then maybe a therapist. And support groups of your peers with similar problems.
I’ve had bipolar disorder for 20+ years and anxiety disorders for about 10+ years. Things get better, then worse, then better – it’s cyclical. You have to try to work at it.
Most of all, you have to try to be honest with yourself, and ask for help. Demand it. If you are able to.
That’s the tricky part, unfortunately. So many people CAN’T ask for help.
Not entirely relevant to the topic of the comic this time, but I’ve been reading a lot of the past comics one-after-the-other and I just wanted to say that your art has been improved a lot! Like it was fairly good before but lately it feels like it has its own style and polish that really stand out. Really like the way you’ve been drawing lately!
Recently I’ve reverted to my previous style, using nib pens instead of thick brush markers, and changing the size at which I draw to allow finer detail. This probably looks more like my Sexy losers work than the American newspaper comic strip style I was attempting before.
Ryan Rowland says
“Man up.” “Grow a pair.” “Get your shit together.” People are a lot of fun. 🙁
Keith Gottschalk says
Man up. Hoo boy how many times have I heard variations of that especially from my father when he was alive.
Sean Hantz says
I’ll say it again; replace any other affliction with “depression,” and listen to how ridiculous it sounds.
“Have you *tried* not being diabetic?”
“If you get some exercise, your leukemia will go away.”
“You dont have asthma, you just need to smile more.”
Jenny Bolander says
Actually, I was told the last one, almost word by word 🙁
Reine Eidee says
Jesus. “Walk it off” people are a fucking affliction in themselves
Chris Redd says
Yup, that’s how it is being black and having depression. I’ve be told flat out that black people cant get depression, like it was lice or something. =
Jenny Islander says
Son of a…
What.
Because.
It.
I know, I know, cockamamie ideas can flourish without a rational basis, but if black people couldn’t get depression, wouldn’t there be a billion-dollar research effort all up into that, trying to figure out how it worked so depression would stop killing people?!
At least the one “therapist” (sic!) who listened to me describe my symptoms of depression and then leaned over the desk and barked “SNAP OUT OF IT!” was shown the door at her group practice. The thought of this being institutionalized just chills my blood.
You’re here, you’re breathing: you’re awesome. Hang in there.
Esmerelda Bohème says
That’s a lot of pressure for men to deal with.
How Long Do Panic Attacks Last says
Agreed… Sweet reply
Becci says
Toxic masculinity. 🙁
Andrea Abrahams says
There CAN be things that help depression lessen. See a psychiatrist first. Then maybe a therapist. And support groups of your peers with similar problems.
I’ve had bipolar disorder for 20+ years and anxiety disorders for about 10+ years. Things get better, then worse, then better – it’s cyclical. You have to try to work at it.
Most of all, you have to try to be honest with yourself, and ask for help. Demand it. If you are able to.
That’s the tricky part, unfortunately. So many people CAN’T ask for help.
How Long Do Panic Attacks Last says
anyone else love as much as me
Just some guy says
Not entirely relevant to the topic of the comic this time, but I’ve been reading a lot of the past comics one-after-the-other and I just wanted to say that your art has been improved a lot! Like it was fairly good before but lately it feels like it has its own style and polish that really stand out. Really like the way you’ve been drawing lately!
clay says
Recently I’ve reverted to my previous style, using nib pens instead of thick brush markers, and changing the size at which I draw to allow finer detail. This probably looks more like my Sexy losers work than the American newspaper comic strip style I was attempting before.
Djenaba Donnett says
The most dangerous thing you can say to a man…”man up” “grow a pair” etc
Donna Taylor says
My favorite line, “Just Get Over It.” :'(