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Artist Portrays How Life Looks When You Have Depression And Anxiety Through These 30 Relatable Comics Featuring A Cartoon Pigeon
Interview With Artist
Chuck Mullin is a 28-year-old artist based in London who uses her talent to illustrate her daily reality with cute comics whose main character is a pigeon. With all of that being said, the series of illustrations follow Chuck's narrator who is a pigeon dealing with anxiety.
In her book, Chuck said that she began to suffer from anxiety and depression aged seventeen. She then turned to drawing comics as a way to make sense of her experience. She soon found that pigeons were the perfect subjects through which to explore the complexities of living with mental illness, and several years later, her funny, quirky birds have won legions of fans online.
From bad times to positivity, the comics in Bird Brain use humor to provide a glimpse of what's going on in Chuck's head: dissociative episodes; cycles of anxiety; her struggle to accept she's not alone; and the power of optimism on the days it's possible.
More info: Instagram | bookdepository.com | linktr.ee
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#1
pyro 3 years ago
i feel like i dont have that angel. or said angel is siding with the frickin satan thats sitting on my shoulder.
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Cassi Lyris 3 years ago
Would be even better without the overzealous censorship. How ironic...
Mahogany Eclipse 3 years ago
After going through years of being hard myself, my shoulder angel has finally had enough of that s**t too 😆😆😆
dunno_ shiz 3 years ago
You know, usually I say 'ok' because thanking for a complement? Haha it's not a favour
Given the opportunity, Bored Panda reached out to Chuck with some questions! First, we asked the artist about how she started working on her comics.
“I’ve always loved drawing but didn’t really start making comics until I was in my early twenties. At first, I just made comics using myself as a character, but I made one comic featuring a pigeon and people seemed to like it!”
RELATED:
#2
In too many fandoms 3 years ago
“Thou shalt always take care of the pigeon with a wyrd hat” -11th command of God and Shakespeare
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Jodee Rebecca Davey 1 year ago
SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO CUTE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!🥹🥰😇
#3
Hello 3 years ago
I literally do this whenever I get upset. If I'm mad, I cry, If I'm sad I cry, if I'm nervous, I cry. It's so dang frustrating.
Yunjin A.K.A Panicattack queen 2 years ago
same, but I end crying on the floor and hyperventilating while my class stares at me in confusion
In case you didn't know, "chuckdrawsthings" is a whole project series that the artist poured her heart into over the years. We were wondering how Chuck decided to make a pigeon the main character in her work.
“The first pigeon comic I made was about a pigeon being able to understand the mean things people say about them, but staying strong and confident regardless. I think it resonated with people because pigeons get a lot of hate so they’re very relatable underdog figures.”
#4
Wysteria_Rose 3 years ago
I now consider resting my hobby. My counselor had to say, "Look, if all you can/want to do when you get home is sit and stare at a wall because your work exhausts you, go find a spot on the wall and get comfy." But I understand it if there are fun things you really WANT to do.
#5
Wysteria_Rose 3 years ago
Sometimes I'll walk through the woods and go, "Listen, Fae Folk, if you want to take me away, I will NOT resist. I'm ready."
tragicaltales 3 years ago
Sometimes I think “if a car hits me and I die, I won’t be mad.”
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A lot of Chuck's followers also resonate with her thoughts and work, and though some comics hit too close to home, some of them are still really funny. We asked the artist about how she felt making so many people smile with her work.
“It’s an incredible feeling to see someone enjoy something I make. Even if it’s a sad comic, it’s meaningful to have people who can relate to what it’s about, it makes me feel less alone.”
#7
Denny Dunn 3 years ago
Realistically humans should work only a few hours a week and most people probably don't even need to work to keep society going. Most jobs are useless and only line the pockets of a select few. Companies like to make you feel lazy if you aren't spending every waking hour making their shareholders money. In reality most jobs are unnecessary and could be done by robots and we could spend our time just enjoying life and society would function just fine.
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Loki’s Lil Butter Knife 3 years ago
As somebody with ADHD I swear that one day I will not feel guilty for letting myself do absolutely nothing and just relax.
Michelle C 3 years ago
Yup. I am beginning to believe I have had it for a while now (family history lends credence to the possibility!) and I definitely feel guilty for resting when I need to rest sometimes!!
Load More Replies... Wysteria_Rose 3 years ago
It's when I wake up from that depression nap that I start thinking, "here's the thousands of things I could have done today and been productive."
Holly Benedict 3 years ago
Literally me. I took to days off work because I've been stressed out , i needed longer but i was worried about the amount of work that wouldn't be waiting for me when I got back... I'm more stressed out now than when before i took off
Yodelis Sosa 3 years ago
My First Reaction To The Last Panel Was "Ahhhh.... P**s, mmmmm 😋" As In The First Panel's 'Doing Nothing All Day'!! As In He's Drinking His Own Pee....!! 😂 😂 I Later Figured He Was Just Upset By The Fact He Woke Up In The Middle Of The Night and Meant "Ah, Please!!" As In "Oh Brother!! 😂 😂
We mentioned at the very beginning that the artist has written a book so we decided to ask her to tell us a little bit more about it.
“My book ‘BIRD BRAIN’ is a collection of pigeon comics and writings about my experiences with depression and social anxiety. My comics are very personal already, but I wanted to include some of my own writing just to make it more in-depth.”
#8
Lizzie Conkey 3 years ago
That’s my husband and word for word when ever he eats and spills his drink or food
#9
Black Pearl 3 years ago (edited)
This happened to me. When I was finally learning to handle my anxiety I realized I was asexual and now I'm stressed out just like I was before lol
Loki’s Lil Butter Knife 3 years ago
You are not alone. I think not realizing that I was a biromantic asexual women until my early thirties and feeling like something was wrong with me led to a considerable amount of my anxiety and sadness as a teenager. (Plus, having ADHD and feeling like I had to be the best at everything to make up for not being in a relationship as a teen didn't help.) If you ever feel stressed and lonely, just remember there are people out there like you who love and accept you for who you are. There are also amazing LGBTQIA+ therapists who can help you navigate your stress and anxiety.
Load More Replies... Mahogany Eclipse 3 years ago
Just when you think you've got a handle on things, the universe takes it as a personal challenge 😮💨 like stop let me rest for a damn minute
Pizzagirl 91 3 years ago
So it took human form and came over to the light side?
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Yunjin A.K.A Panicattack queen 2 years ago
the day i got officially diagnosed I didn't go to school for a few weeks.
JJ(they/them) 3 years ago
...that's pretty much how it works, except sometimes with gender. or both in my case!
We were also wondering if Chuck had any advice to share with her fellow artists who might just be starting out.
“It’s okay to have days where you feel unable to do anything at all. There’s no shame in resting or taking breaks - when you’re ready, you can come back to art with a fresh sense of vigor!”
Lastly, we were wondering whether depression and anxiety were something the artist still dealt with, and here's what she told us, “Yes, I still do - I take medication for it, I’m mostly good, but I do have my bad days still. I just take it one day at a time.”
#10
Wysteria_Rose 3 years ago
Me to my husband of eight years. He has to chuckle every time and go, "do you just think I'll wake up and not like you?"
Mahogany Eclipse 3 years ago
Me, only I don't even have the courage to ask that question of my SO 😅😅😅
Soda the Snake 3 years ago
If only my partner would have this reaction instead of getting pissy about it : /
tragicaltales 3 years ago
If it makes you feel better I like ur username :)
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#11
Michelle C 3 years ago
Yup. Ruminating does little good and oftentimes harm. Bleh…ruin-ating, as it’ll ruin me for a bit sometimes, seems more accurate in the moments ruminating spoils even a minute of a given day!
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Loki’s Lil Butter Knife 3 years ago
Sometimes learning self love can be the most powerful yet tricky thing to master.
Elizabeth Foss 3 years ago
This is so real I instantly started bawling... and today was a good day.
Alicia GriffonLady 3 years ago
Sometimes i glimpse myself in a store in a mirror not realiseing that it it's a mirror and think "that seems like a friendly person" and realize it's ugly Ole me, but at least i look friendly!
#13
ALEXANDER DALE 3 years ago
Pro tip to bypass censors: German curses. Example: Fich Dich.
Load More Replies... tragicaltales 3 years ago
no it’s not! You’re just overreacting. It’s Not even a big deal. Just shut up. No one wants to hear your sob story. You have it good. You’re FINE. You have no right to complain!
Load More Replies... That one girl in the corner 3 years ago
For me, it doesn't say "they're" lying, it said "they're over-doing it-"
Wexler Thompson 3 years ago
God I wish I had friends like that! Normally if my I showed my former friends art they would s**t on it and then I would feel worse about my self
Ossandra White 3 years ago
Me sometimes 🙃 yet, when I complement others, I want them to believe me because I know I'm telling the truth.
#14
Laika-Mutton 3 years ago
Even if I have nothing planned, if I sleep without an alarm I'm just going to wake up to check the time every half hour lol.
Loki’s Lil Butter Knife 3 years ago
Hah hah, I am glad there is someone else out there who does the exact same thing. Oddly enough, I still feel well rested...cough cough...most of the time. Some sleep scholars say that it is actually better for your body to slowly wake up over a shorter period of time then be abruptly woken up by an alarm.
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Zachary Fassett 3 years ago (edited)
Mood. I never sleep with an alarm and i sleep most of the daytime away
Daycare Attendant Sun 3 years ago
I don't think I've had a full night sleep in years. I wake up almost every hour on the hour. I don't have sleep apnea, either.
#15
Fluffy mommy panda 3 years ago
Hard to do sometimes. I know the feeling. You are so happy when you actually do it cause it was so hard to tell them ......no I'm sorry I can't. 😅🥺😏
#16
Skully Bats 3 years ago
Me when I play ACNH. My den is almost full with plants & I don't know how to stop cause it looks so nice.
#17
Yunjin A.K.A Panicattack queen 2 years ago
in group chats i never say anything then they realize oh Yunjin you're here too
#18
MyloXyloto 3 years ago (edited)
I read 'You're a big, stupid uno'- who else did too? Also, I can relate to this comic in particular on so many levels.
Michelle C 3 years ago
Yup. Parental abuse takes a toll. No, I am *not* sorry for breaking free, Dad and family. I pray for them, that they repent of the physical and emotional abuse they inflicted on my sibling and me. I *will* do better if I ever get married and have children.
Ossandra White 3 years ago (edited)
Sending all the prayers, love, and hugs to you and your siblings. Sorry you had to endure such pain but I'm glad you've taken it as an example of what not to do instead of continuing the vicious cycle and that you're praying for them. 🙏💛
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#19
#20
Pirates of Zen Pants 3 years ago
Wow, Chuck! Aren't you afraid my Mom is going to sue you for using her likeness?
tragicaltales 3 years ago
Ugly piece of garbage. No potential. Stupid stupid stupid. No one even likes you anyways, you’re just an annoying suck up desperate for any kind of validation. (Daily thoughts)
Fluffy mommy panda 3 years ago
Yeah f*****g sucks and that is totally the way it feels to. Like your in big dark place.
Helen X 3 years ago
However I don’t suffer from depression, I know real depression is a daily fight. I try to imagine my darkest mood, and have it every single day. Oof. From the thought alone I would get depressed. It’s fantastic you can put it in drawings like that and I hope it helps tackling the moods and put them somewhere they can’t hurt you.
#21
Wysteria_Rose 3 years ago
This is why social media can be toxic for your mental health. It makes it look like everyone is having the best life and it's not at all the whole picture of things. I've gone to plenty of outings that made me feel physically sick and only going home was the remedy.
Mahogany Eclipse 3 years ago
My entire life has been accurately represented in these comics like damn
#22
Black Pearl 3 years ago
Me too. I've been in the situation in the second panel for years.
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tragicaltales 3 years ago
It can take a long time to cure mental illness, if at all. I wish therapy was more accessible to more people, I certainly would not be where I am today (still struggling, but doing alright) without therapy
Yunjin A.K.A Panicattack queen 2 years ago
hope you get better cause honestly i feel you, i was 11, WHO GIVES A PANIC DISORDER TO AND 11-YEAR-OLD KID
#23
Down With Agent Hedgehog! 3 years ago
I’m like that but when I have a sudden trauma flashback to something totally stupid and embarrassing I’ve done before, and then I want to dig a hole on the ground and disappear. Better, erase all the memory from myself AND the people
Teresa Yeates 3 years ago
That is an embarrassing memory where you continue to replay things, have those. Traumatic flashback is an whole different scale.
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Remington Greer 3 years ago
As I've come to understand from my therapy, memory is non-linear, which means that any sensory input can remind you of something seemingly unrelated
#24
Fluffy mommy panda 3 years ago
Oh this me I get so nervous. Most likely I won't be there ........but if I do come I'm like this. And I usually don't talk to anyone because I am not comfortable. Unless someone starts talking to me.
Downcast 2 years ago
if someone does that im still not comftorable inside
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Random Person 3 years ago
Ah jeez I totally get this. I either look like I'm trying to power pose on everyone or I look like I'm practically touching myself through my pockets.
Alicia GriffonLady 3 years ago
Add pockets or buy new pants with pockets?
Load More Replies... Pizzagirl 91 3 years ago
Yeah, I used to be alright about this, but when I was 18, my older sister's best girl friend, who we were at a club with, told me I looked to stiff and should move my shoulders and arms more when dancing... That's the same girl that told me I might look pretty if I'd have bangs. I'm still uncomfortable when I feel watched on a dance floor, even though I'm happily married and she's a bitter old spinster now, and I've even been in an amateur drama group for over 10 years - still, I don't feel natural when moving in front of people, I only feel like I'm playing different roles...
Wysteria_Rose 3 years ago
Oh my god, I analyze my body language so hard in public. I suddenly don't know what to do with my hands or wonder if my feet are pointed in the right direction.
Crunchy Chips and Queso Dip 3 years ago
The background birds turn to look at the main pigeon on the last panel
Raven DeathShade 3 years ago
Some of my friends do the last one. I just accept it and move on. Nbd.
Alicia GriffonLady 3 years ago
Pockets! Lil sleeping bags for hands. And keys or odd things i pick up to fiddle with.
#25
Matt Mixon 3 years ago
I'm Rural. I get to stack and buck 300 bales of hay on Sunday. 19,000lbs twice. Rural is harder than city 1000%. We also have guns and hunt. Figure it out yourself.
#26
Black Pearl 3 years ago
This is me when someone has a slightly different tone than normal when they talk to me and my feelings get hurt by it for some reason
Nichole Harris 3 years ago
I literally spendv1/3 of my time apologizing for things I imagined I did because someone sighed
Load More Replies... Hades (but good) 3 years ago
me. i made a joke like do u think ____________ lol and they were like not really and i was like T-T i wish i wasn't like this
#27
Holly Benedict 3 years ago
I thought i was the only one with that pent up feeling of needing to scream...
v3lv3t_v10l3t 3 years ago
Not me thinking of that random cowboy in the sky singing....aaaaaaaaaaaaa*inhale*aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa*inhale*aaaaaaaaiaaaaaaiaaaaaaaa...aaaaaaa
#28
Kevin Futuristic 3 years ago
definitely a beautiful sentiment :) I'm gonna try to learn from that
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Katie Lutesinger 3 years ago
"Don't tell me - we're about to go over a huge waterfall." "Yup." "Sharp rocks at the bottom?" "Most likely." "Bring it on."
3 years ago (edited)
Great movie, great quote XD (Emperor's New Groove if anybody is wondering)
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#30
Alexander Smith 3 years ago
This made me think of banjo Kazooie and gruntilda's constant rhyming.
#31
Black Pearl 3 years ago
Omg I'm not the only one who has the random heart palpitations?? That's great to know that I'm not completely alone.
#32
𝕊𝕟𝕠𝕨 𝔻𝕣𝕒𝕘𝕠𝕟 1 year ago
I didn’t realize that was the goose from The Untitled Goose Game until I saw the last picture.
#34
Raven DeathShade 3 years ago
"I'm not trying to improve for him. I'm not trying to improve for me. I'm trying to improve for us, for our future." --me, 2022.
Raven DeathShade 2 years ago
That guy left me long gone. But I still had my improvements and my own future, and that is what I am going to keep.
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Fluffy mommy panda 3 years ago
Yeah I've had this happen sometimes I'm so use to it it takes me awhile. And then I'm like well hell what was that all about
#36
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#39
Fluffy mommy panda 3 years ago
Yeah this happens to me. My freaking brain. My brain it sucks, to much going on
#40
Sleepy children love Moon 3 years ago
You will make it! Don't worry and keep working towards it!
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#42
No Clue 3 years ago
(When saying negative things about myself that I wouldn't say about others): "Well that's different."
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#44
Adam L 3 years ago
Now my OCD kicks in because I want to be able to read the whole text in the last panel....
In too many fandoms 3 years ago
I do not have OCD but it’s bothering me so much too! Usually I’m always the one looking for small details in comics so that I may think about weird theories…
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Shay Walsh 3 years ago
I had something similar happen when I decided to go to Zumba this week and they added freestyle dance at the end which was fun till someone I kinda know started dancing really close behind me and laughing. I was done
Emma Dakin 3 years ago
don't feel defeated, join in.. turn around, and freestyle face to face! they might stop or you both might have fun! xx
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#47
#49
Alex Foster 3 years ago
Yeah nothing quite like: "Take these pills so you don't want to unalive yourself. Side effects: May make you want to unalive yourself"
Raven DeathShade 3 years ago
Yeah, my meds were like "Will help you not feel like s**t and try to unalive yourself!! Warning: will make you feel like s**t and try to unalive yourself."
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Latibule_dreams 3 years ago
The only good thing is I get some morning energy from mine. But the consequences are vivid dreams.
#51
#53
Firstname Lastname 3 years ago
I know that this bird has a floating eyeball, but for a moment I thought that the think clouds had gained awareness and were actually looking out the window with the bird.
#54
Fluffy mommy panda 3 years ago
Yes yes. When actually tell someone all of it and they look at you like I didn't ask for all this information
#55
Black Pearl 3 years ago
I remember having my first panic attack in like 7th grade and then looking back and realizing that it was a panic attack. I thought I was dying in the moment.
#56
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#58
Jyndaru 3 years ago
Came here to say this too. I hate having bipolar disorder.
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#60
Emma Dakin 3 years ago
resplendent flower! I often resent being a wall flower now I want to feel resplendent!
#61
Black Pearl 3 years ago
I just keep telling my mind to stop (out loud) when that happens and normally it works pretty well
WinterberrytheLeafIceWing 3 years ago
Mind cabinet. Shove memory in. Lock cabinet. (Occasional lock failure.)
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#63
In too many fandoms 3 years ago
We all neeed the sword. Even If you don’t have anxiety or depression, you neeed the sword.
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#65
Fluffy mommy panda 3 years ago
This is what I try to feel. There is aways a tomorrow and it a new start and you can try again.
#66
1 year ago
Untitled Goose Game is the beeeeest! Fun fact: When you play 2 player, the intro actually says "Untitled Geese Game" instead of "Untitled Goose Game". >:3 GOOOOOOOOSE
#69
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Eline 3 years ago
Hey, pandas. I don't know you, and you dont know me either. But. I really hope for you to get better. Sometimes, it hurt. I'm often hurt. I have anxiety attack everydays, sometimes without any reason. I have OCD and depression. I know a lot of people are also suffering. Our pain isnt the same i guess, because we all are differents. But hold on. Dont give up. I know it can be hard. I know it can be long. But maybe, some day, you'll found a little spark in the dark. Dont hesitate to call for help when you want and need it. Take care pandas, take care. Courage!
Me 3 years ago
Thank you, this was helpful! And funny! I just made the first step to accept my depression and could relate to a lot of this, hoping to relate to the ones where you can love and accept yourself soon
Pirates of Zen Pants 3 years ago
Good for you, Me! Rock on, my fellow depressive.
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Potterhead 0-0 3 years ago
Not sure what amazes me more, how relatable a lot of these were or how many people don’t know how to spell pigeon.
Dino (she/her) 3 years ago
I’m normally not a huge fan of all of the cartoon things posted on bp, but I really loved these!
Genderless void (they/them) 2 years ago
To anyone struggling, come talk to me. I don’t know you, but I love you. No matter what you feel you have done or if you feel you are worthless, you aren’t. I know it’s hard, and if you want recovery it’s a long and difficult process. Don’t give up. It’s difficult and seems pointless at times, but no matter what you struggle with I am here for you. Don’t give up. I love you.
Eline 3 years ago
Hey, pandas. I don't know you, and you dont know me either. But. I really hope for you to get better. Sometimes, it hurt. I'm often hurt. I have anxiety attack everydays, sometimes without any reason. I have OCD and depression. I know a lot of people are also suffering. Our pain isnt the same i guess, because we all are differents. But hold on. Dont give up. I know it can be hard. I know it can be long. But maybe, some day, you'll found a little spark in the dark. Dont hesitate to call for help when you want and need it. Take care pandas, take care. Courage!
Me 3 years ago
Thank you, this was helpful! And funny! I just made the first step to accept my depression and could relate to a lot of this, hoping to relate to the ones where you can love and accept yourself soon
Pirates of Zen Pants 3 years ago
Good for you, Me! Rock on, my fellow depressive.
Load More Replies... Potterhead 0-0 3 years ago
Not sure what amazes me more, how relatable a lot of these were or how many people don’t know how to spell pigeon.
Dino (she/her) 3 years ago
I’m normally not a huge fan of all of the cartoon things posted on bp, but I really loved these!
Genderless void (they/them) 2 years ago
To anyone struggling, come talk to me. I don’t know you, but I love you. No matter what you feel you have done or if you feel you are worthless, you aren’t. I know it’s hard, and if you want recovery it’s a long and difficult process. Don’t give up. It’s difficult and seems pointless at times, but no matter what you struggle with I am here for you. Don’t give up. I love you.
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