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Our minds are such complicated mazes, we sometimes need help navigating them. After artist Kate Allan, who was struggling with her mental health, felt the impact of therapy, she decided to pass on some of the things she learned. The author of the book You Can Do All Things created a series of cartoon drawings that are perfect for those days when your brain goes into complete overdrive to the point where you feel you just can't.

Image credits: thelatestkate

#1

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thelatestkate Report

Ritchat
Community Member
6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Damn, you already made me cry after the first post. I needed this SO MUCH!

Christopher Creighton
Community Member
6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Thank you for putting these out there. It helps!

Joan Canning
Community Member
5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Have this wonderful book and it helped me through many situations. I can relate to your story, Its a book I loan out to others's and I always get it back. Thank you for your story and book.

pamela traves
Community Member
6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You Made Me Remember I Can Come Through This.✌💟💞🌸🌺🌸👌

Sugar Latte
Community Member
6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The animal is so cute, and the meaning of the words are so powerful! ☺️

Mazikeen Lebron
Community Member
6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

omg the colors are beautiful n the drawing

BusLady
Community Member
6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I know that some people feel a need to do this to themselves, before someone else does it to them first.

Phoebe Bean
Community Member
6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Because it´s already bad as it is.

"I have been diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) and Depression," Kate told Bored Panda. "The [illustrations] half come from exercises I learned in therapy and half from personal experience." According to Anxiety and Depression Association of America, anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the United States, affecting 40 million adults in the country age 18 and older, or 18.1% of the population.

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    #2

    Depressed-Artist-Illustrations-Anxiety-Thelatestkate

    thelatestkate Report

    Kate Yeti
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I really, really needed to hear this. Thanks, fellow Kate!

    Heather Niman
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    my anxious brain is definitely a pangolin! xxx

    Melissa Dowling
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It's a Pangolin, they're going to become extinct quickly unless we act to protect them. :( They are cute little ones.

    Eirik Johnsbråten
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is so true. Try to find what it's protecting and try to show it to someone you trust. Then you won't need the misguided protection anymore.

    It is also not uncommon for someone with an anxiety disorder to be living with depression or as well. Nearly half of those diagnosed with the first mental problem are also diagnosed with the latter.

    #3

    Depressed-Artist-Illustrations-Anxiety-Thelatestkate

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    Phoebe Bean
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    And getting through is quite hard...

    Kaisu
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If all you did one day was get through, then it wasn't a lazy day, because getting through can be hard, yet you did it

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    miaow
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Cute unicorn. I love this

    H R
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Adapting the day to how you feel is easier than adapting how you feel for the day.

    BusLady
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Be kind to yourself, and take the time to just relax.

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    "Mindfulness and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy have both been helpful in managing my mental health," Kate added. "Eating well, exercising, creating, and working to have solid relationships have helped, too." Her determination to get better makes Kate one of the few. Even though anxiety disorders are highly treatable, only 36.9% of those suffering receive treatment.

    #4

    Depressed-Artist-Illustrations-Anxiety-Thelatestkate

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    hobbitly
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Or maybe you'll screw up tomorrow as well. It's better to just not worry about it and try to be a good version of you, and if it still fails, its okay. No need to pressure yourself with the idea that tomorrow you cant make a mistake.

    Eirik Johnsbråten
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    In other words, it's actually possible that tomorrow can be a good day. Took me many years to realize this.

    Mimi M
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Don't like this caption. Better: 'You aren't a screw-up, you are a human being, imperfect and infinitely valuable'.

    Cees Timmerman
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Everyone screws up sometimes. Just take it easy and help fix it.

    Ruby
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    So this means the world will be Oreo-less tomorrow??

    If you liked the comic, consider getting it as a print from Kate’s redbubble shop. And if you want to check out more of her work, fire up her profiles on FacebookInstagramTumblr, or Twitter.

    #5

    Depressed-Artist-Illustrations-Anxiety-Thelatestkate

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    Something
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It's lasted at least 15 years.

    Non-New-Toni-An
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'm sorry to hear that. You never know when things can turn around a corner. Good luck ✌💖✌

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    D. Pitbull
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I need to print this out and pin it up ... I feel like I'm in a rut forever - but I know (logically) it's only been a few days.

    Rinpai
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    What if its been 26 years and you happen to be 26?

    Non-New-Toni-An
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    None of us know when things can suddenly change for the better, hang in there!! 🙏🌈

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    Colin Leetham
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Weeks, months or years... things do get better. (And meds help)

    BusLady
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Unfortunately, it will happen again. But don't dwell on it. Enjoy the good times.

    #6

    Depressed-Artist-Illustrations-Anxiety-Thelatestkate

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    Phoebe Bean
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Trying to achieve some goals every day, no matter how trivial they seem to others!

    Kaisu
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Exactly, your goals can be as simple as getting out of bed or showering, and it's still as important than the tasks other people have in their days

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    BusLady
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Nobody's perfect, but some seem to think they are. Lol

    Magpie
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Some days - with depression - getting out of bed really does deserve a medal.

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    #7

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    WaffleFryLife
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    i wish i could let myself believe this

    Carol Lewis
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Wish my family believed this. But my husband always supports me, best guy ever. 34 years.

    BusLady
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Her tail looks like a seashell, don't you think?

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    Tor Rolf Strøm
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Well, actually we are all a burden.

    Alice Laughs
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Thank you, Tor. Accurate, funny, and actually helpful to me ^‿^

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    Jackie Miller
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Like I am sure many others, if I could believe that I'd be getting somewhere

    WaffleFryLife
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    believe it! you deserve better than the demons in your mind, eating your happiness to feed the steadily growing self hatred inside. stay strong!

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    Sedef Özüpek
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    btw i will forget i wrote this here. you will like it 3 months from now. i will want to see what did you like of me. i will come back following the notification. but since the website is fcked up i will never find my comment unless i check out each and every single comment on this page. i hate this s**t so much

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    #8

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    Göksue
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Your work is good. You are great! I, thank you for existing. Keep going please it's all so encouraging.

    BusLady
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Trust me. You have made someone else's life better.

    Jackie Miller
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Like the earlier photo If i wish could believe this in relation to myself

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    #9

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    Krishna Vishwas
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I want to print this. Can i have with word s**t not bleeped out..

    Loki’s Lil Butter Knife
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    @Krishna If you click on the small link beneath each image it redirects you to the artist’s Tumblr site where she has additional links to her shop. You can also find the uncensored versions of her work on her Tumblr. 🙂

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    Audrey Wegman
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I don't understand why they don't leave the cus in. It's a part of life!

    #10

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    Phoebe Bean
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My reality vs the reality. There´s a difference between those two.

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    #11

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    Magpie
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Sometimes it is one hour at a time. But we must recognise our courage in making it through that.

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    Courtney Gunderson
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Sometimes focusing on just making it through the day is all I can do.

    #12

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    WaffleFryLife
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    awww, that axolotl is so cute <3

    Dryft Cat
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This Rainbow-sparkles axolotl makes me feel good inside!

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    TheNerdyOne
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Y’know so many people axoltol questions! Hehe puns ;-;

    #13

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    Anna Ledwońska
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    What if I haven't any friends? Just acquaintances?

    2WheelTravlr
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If you're not comfortable creating stronger ties, I think that's okay too. I have very few friends, and at points in my life I had no friends (by my choice), but realistically there have always been people in my life who like me and care about me. If you actually want friends but for some reason aren't able to retain them, then you may have personality issues that need some work before good people are drawn to you. Or it could be something as simple as the fact that you're looking for friends in the wrong places.

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    Phoebe Bean
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yes, I should thank my friends for their love and support!

    #14

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    BusLady
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Sometimes it's hard to see that far in the future.

    Jackie Miller
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I've been hoping for that for many years but its yet to happen. At my age, when?

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    Janet Allison
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    We tend to forget that it’s okay to not be okay. Sometimes life sucks and is overwhelming and bad things do happen. A part of good mental health is letting yourself feel these emotions genuinely and accepting when we are not okay.

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    #16

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    D. Pitbull
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Ironic that I'm hurting right now because someone decided to "ultra-self-care" on themselves 1200% at my expense?

    2WheelTravlr
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I think there is a huge difference between self-care and selfishness. It sounds like your someone was maybe being selfish as heck.

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    Alicja Gazouillée
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yeap. Observe your thoughts- they are not you. Just watch them as a separated being.

    #18

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    Regine Baus
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    love all your drawings and your very upbeat outlook on life. some days are really bad but all in all, you can make it. and remember that you are loved! this will help a lot of people.