Summer Coat
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0Sasquatch, man, that is just too stylish!
So maybe you’re wondering where I’ve been these last two weeks… Seeing as this is a pretty simple comic that doesn’t require much blog post, I’ll fill you in.
Let me start by saying that this isn’t meant to be some kind of livejournal-esque sob story about my life. I’m just letting you guys know what’s been up. If you don’t really care about that sort of thing, no worries, just skip the post!
As many of you know from some comics I’ve done and blogs I’ve written on the subject, I’ve been dealing with an anxiety disorder for a number of years now. It’s nothing that usually keeps me from getting my work done or focusing on improving myself in my own way, but I tend to get very sick whenever I have important activities to do that require social interaction. It’s been difficult to deal with because unlike a lot of other people that suffer from this sort of thing, there’s not really a mental component to it. I don’t stress about stuff or worry, I just get into situations and get ridiculously nauseous. Anyway, I’ve finally got a doctor and have been going to appointments and trying therapy and whatnot and it was suggested that I should try some medication. I’ve always had problems taking medicine of any kind so I’ve stayed away from it for a very long time but, having dealt with this stuff for about six years now, I decided maybe it was time to try what my doctor was telling me.
Big mistake.
I tried some meds for a few days and suffered some of the worst nausea and panic I’ve ever experienced in my life. I woke up after the first night (after waking up constantly through the night) at 12:30 in the afternoon and couldn’t get out of bed until 2:30 and I kept feeling sick for days. I only took the meds for a couple of nights but the effects lasted for about a week. It wasn’t a pleasant experience
Part of why I decided to try the medication was that, for the first time in a very long time, I was feeling down about making comics. I love writing and I love drawing comics but it’s not easy to do. It’s hard to keep putting content out there and sometimes feeling underappreciated. It’s hard to visit sites like Reddit sometimes and see some of the stuff that gets upvoted there. Comics that are just really vapid observations with no twist or joke or even anything insightful get huge upvotes and really clever stuff (not even talking about my own work) falls by the wayside. It was just…depressing to me. But whatever, such is life, right?
After taking the meds and finally recovering from that stuff, it was hard to recover from the lingering general blah-ness I was feeling beforehand. I’m sorry I let it get in the way of doing something I love and something that I like to share with the world.
I realize that there’s no point in getting upset about stuff like that. It’s up to me to push myself and make content other people will find some joy in and it’s up to me to share the things I think deserve some love. I’m feeling a whole lot better this week and I’m planning to get back to writing every day and getting comics done on time. I’d really like to do a full five days of strips (monday through friday) in the next week or two to help make up for what I’ve missed!
Thanks to everyone for your concern and thanks to everyone that reads and shares the comic. You’re all awesome and I will try not to let stupid stuff get to me again!
In light of my observations about sharing good stuff here are some totally awesome comics that I really enjoy:
MercWorks
The Abominable
Ellie on Planet X
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Discussion (82) ¬
I have a pretty rough time with social anxiety and general anxiety that leads to nausea, myself. It’s tough, but at least it isn’t life-threatening. I don’t really have any advice to offer, since I’m not even sure how to help myself, but I guess what I’m trying to say is that you shouldn’t feel alone or anything and um yeah. I don’t know, it’s never good to see someone going through such a negative time. Also: I can’t speak for anyone else, but I personally love your comic. It’s very clever and also educational, which is always a wonderful combination to find.
I am super happy to see you’re back to making comics. I’m sorry you had such a horrible experience with whatever medication you tried. I am an internet stranger and only have irrelevant anecdotes so I can’t do much more than offer the possibly ambiguous “Keep your chin up,” with all the best intentions and pray to my gods you feel all right. Watch out for bears.
Thanks very much! I am feeling loads better now! Well enough to take on any bears that may cross my path!!
Keee-aiii!
Hi! Long time reader who doesn’t comment much here. I just wanted to say that I hope you’re feeling better and that you won’t have any more bad experiences with medication.
I also wanted to comment because I’m sorry to hear that you sometimes feel underappreciated. I rarely comment on comics I read, and this makes me realize that this way, the authors have no way of knowing that I do. Not that having me in particular as a reader is that spectacular, but if a lot of people do as I do – well, then maybe there’s a bigger chance of the author feeling underappreciated. So I want to tell you that I LOVE your comic and have been following it for years. I think your art style is incredibly darling, and I find the comic and your blog posts very insightful, amusing, or often both.
So don’t stop doing comics – you definitely bring me joy by doing them!
(As a side note – today’s comic is great. I’d hide from that coat too)
I’m not a very long time reader (I discovered your comic a few months ago), however, when I first found your comic I “couldn’t put it down”, so to speak.
You may not always get the shares that you deserve on Reddit, but I send your comic to friends more often than not.
Thanks for making them!
I’m glad that you’re feeling better!
I’d also like you to know that you’re the creator of my favourite web-comic of all time; so try not to get too discouraged by the people on reddit, because you’re truly doing something funny and original with this comic and I LOVE it.
/me hands you a couple of hug-in-a-bottle sixpacks
It looks like something he found at BAPE.
I gotta say. That right there is a fashionable samsquatch.
Well, I was wondering why there were no comics since I must admit, I love Happle Tea and check it every tuesday and friday, since my day isn’t complete without a new comic (though no pressure, stuff happens obviously). I’m glad you’re finally back to making more comics
Glad to hear you are feeling better! Your work is different than what’s already out there on the web, and that’s what makes your work extra awesome!!! Continue doing what you love!
Your comic is one of the few I check with regularity. I really appreciate the wit and mythology, as well as the art style. Please don’t stop!
Hey there, I’m sorry you had that bad experience. I suffered from anxiety myself for a couple years. I only got better through therapy, and as such was lucky to find a good therapist. Not to paint with too broad a brush, but generally drugs are only covering the problem.
Anyway, best of luck to you, I just wanted to drop a word of encouragement. Keep creating those comics!
I only read about four webcomics regularly and yours is one of my absolute favorites.
I’m a massive nerd and love seeing mythological characters and references, plus Sasquatch is the man.
Never forget the community and following you have here and how much we care about you as well as your friends and family.
It’s evident that you are a creative and intelligent individual and I hope you continue to find the strength to make these wonderful comics and generally enjoying the life you live.
Medication was a bust, but perhaps some more holistic remedies like meditation will do some good?
It can only help!
I’m glad you’re back. <3 Please continue to make comics that are awesome. I have been reading for a while, because I can't really compare short vs. long term. When I found Happle Tea, I read them all in one sitting, so there's that. Don't pander to stuff like reddit–anyone can be super popular if you appeal to the lowest common denominator. I know it's easy to say, but do what you love and you'll find others love it too. Comics like yours are my favorite. Sometimes the most subtle joke will make me cackle like a crazy person and I get all dorky fangirl about it. Thank you so much <3
Hang in there!! I miss ya bro!!! Reminds me of our times at Anime Boston; I’d always get really sick on the first day, and it happens when I travel too (buses, planes, etc.). Likewise there’s not so much a mental component- it’s frustrating when your mind is calm and rational but your body doesn’t follow suit. I’m glad you’re feeling better and I’m sure there will be some great comics coming up!!!!!!
Keep on goin’ man, I will read your comic until I am a crusty old man if you keep on posting. Supposing I become a crusty old man. I would rather be a man of a less disgusting texture. In that case I will keep reading your comic until I become an old man with a pleasing texture.
I know what it’s like to have trepidation about taking meds for emotional stuff like that. I have cycles of depression and hypomania, I think I may be bipolar but I have absolutely no professional diagnosis. It’s extremely worrying to me how much I might change if I take meds, but I really have no idea whether it would be for the better or worse.
Waah…so much love to you, K. I draw too and I can totally understand your frustrations of the deserving being ignored and the half-hearted getting it good. Well, it happens in all fields – just think of Nikola Telsa and Tom Edison. But you know, the half-hearted are probably fully-hearted–even if their end results sucks, creating is hard. They’re probably trying their best. Everyone is on a different path and you can’t look at others’ – you don’t know how they’ve suffered to get where they are. Besides, it hurts to look at others sometimes (when you see what you believe is undeserving success and it frustrates you). So just focus on yourself. Then everyone’s happier.
I’m sorry the meds didn’t work out – everyone’s body is different. But I think it’s great that you tried them. Thank you for being brave… I am so glad I get to read your comics. And just keep making them, because you’re still young, and one day you’ll get the recognition you deserve.
It’s too bad you had such a bad experience with anti-anxiety medication. I don’t know what particular prescription your doc put you on but it’s my understanding that Mike and Jerry over at Penny Arcade both have anxiety issues they eventually sorted out with the help of Lexapro. If that wasn’t what your doctor had you on I’d recommend discussing it with him/her. That is if you haven’t been scared away from any sort of potential medication.
They also did an episode of their show about it, so check that out: http://penny-arcade.com/patv/episode/drugs
very cosby-esque
Poor guy
Don’t think that your comics aren’t popular
Reddit is just a biased community. Personally I check your site every day, I don’t even wait for notifications. That’s how much I love your work and everything you do. I’ve looked at all the fan art, all the shop items, every post on every page. Hell if I saw you in real life I’d probably hug you out of nowhere and then have to pay your hospital bill from crushing a rib.
You’re rad, you’re talented, and you’re gonna be great. Don’t let anything make you feel otherwise.
Just wanted to jump in and say I think your comics are super, and I love reading the blog posts that go along with the comics. I wouldn’t feel too bad about people on Reddit, you’re making something great – it sounds like you just need to find (more of) the right people to see your stuff. I just read “The Icarus Deception”, it has some thoughts you might appreciate.
That sounds pretty awful. I’m just a medical student, but my advice would be to not give up if it’s bothering you or if you feel that it’s holding you back. There are other medications that can be tried, it’s just a matter of finding the one and the right dose for your particular chemistry. Medications aside, there are various forms of therapy as well, which it sounds like you’re trying (and if you can do it without medication, all the better).
I can sympathize with you on a personal level, too, as I used to feel nauseous in many social situations. It would then become a downward spiral, as the initial pang of nausea would make me afraid that I might vomit (and even worse, in front of everyone), which would only increase the anxiety and the nausea. Yours may manifest differently, but it was terribly unpleasant.
I keep tabs on your comics via RSS and usually share them with my wife and family. This is the first time that I’m commenting, but I’ll try to be better about chiming in with some words of admiration more often. I love your art style, characters, and subject matter. The accompanying blog posts also make for an interesting read. Thank you for your efforts, and for having the courage to share them with all of us!
I’ve been a long time fan but never commented before. I prefer to lurk from the shadows :|. But upon reading your post I wanted to let you know how much I really like your work. I think it’s funny and witty, and even if it doesn’t always make me genuinely laugh it makes me smile. Even when I go back and re-read comics. I show them to my friends all the time too. I think you handle myths and religions in a very tasteful and funny way, you know exactly just how much fun to poke at something, and just how to poke it. I know it’s not much, but I just wanted you to know you make people happy :3
I went on Citalopram once for depression issues, but I am aware they are also a common anti-anxiety medication, and they did give me nausea problems for a week or so. I’m not going to say you should try and stick with it if it makes you feel worse, but I just wanted to let you know that.
Anyway, I love your comics.
Dude your things are amazing!! I do think you have been getting more popular, and I believe you’ll be getting more popular, it might be taking more time than other people but most of time fast-fame=fast-fades!
Your fans love you, and you know it, we know it
Well, this is the first time I’ve commented on any webcomic ever, but I just wanted to let you know that Happle Tea is probably the best webcomic I’ve ever read. It’s clever, creative, the humor is “smart”… There’s definitely a sort of charm- and even a warm, fuzzy atmosphere that that the website itself instills on me that puts a smile on my face and keeps me coming back.
Keep up the good work. You’ve created a one of a kind thing here, and I can’t wait for more.
Remember that the best comic in the world is still the best comic in the world even if nobody ever sees or appreciates it
You make my week whenever i see one of your comics just keep on doing what you do best.
I’m a super big fan. I have lurked around your website for years, and I love how bright and witty your comics and blogs are. I know social anxiety isn’t easy to deal with, so thanks for sharing your story, and bigger thanks for your perseverance with Happle Tea. Even if it isn’t updated, I usually come here once a day, just to hit the random button a few times and brighten my day. Like some of the other commenters, I apologize for lurking without letting you know how much I appreciate your efforts. I can’t do a whole lot besides give thanks, so…thanks! You are super awesome, and I look forward to the continued misadventures of Li’l K, Sasquatch, and Allev. Thank-you!
I’ve been reading your comic for a long time. Let me just say, of all the comics I read (and I read a fair few), Happletea is my favorite. The art style is enchanting, the characters are endearing, but mostly it’s the content that brought Happletea to my favorites toolbar. It is at once personal and worldly, thoughtful and engaging. It covers topics that I care about and portrays values that I share. I like to imagine that were we to meet, we would be friends.
Thank you for Happletea. It’s a gem.
Glad to hear you’re feeling better.
I’m not gonna say I understand your plight since I’ve never experience anxiety but I hope you feel better! Hearts and smiley-faces to you!
Thank goodness you are relatively OK. I was worried about you! That is one of my least favorite things about the internet; people you have grown to like can just drop off the face of the earth and you’ll have no clue if they are on vacation, have a new username, or if they are hurt! I’ll try to comment even more, if it helps you know you have loyal fans.
I only recently discovered this comic, and I hope it will stay around for a while to come: it’s a lovely piece of work. I am glad you are feeling better: I suffer from anxiety and depression myself, although thankfully not the nausea. Medication is tricky: it can sometimes do exactly the _opposite_ of what it’s supposed to do. Has your doctor suggested something else you could try, or are you (understandably) going to avoid any pharmaceutical remedies for a while?
Your comics are highly appreciated and enjoyed by myself and many other people. I constantly enjoy the comic relief and historical myths that you constantly tackle, and hope that you continue to find your joy in making them. If you are ever in the Knoxville, TN area, I’d buy you a drink, because you truly are one of the things that keeps me going.
Thanks a million for your comics. You are such a talented person.
-Tyler Smith
Feel better! (insofaras such a phrase is applicable).
Meds are sort of tricky. having a nervous breakdown in law school became, for me, impetus to ‘maybe seeing a therapist isn’t such a bad idea afterall’. Which, among other things, lead to a diagnosis of chronic double depression (yes that is a real thing).
The medication I was given (because some of these things are simply ‘your body is not making enough of a necessary chemical and we dont know why, maybe genes?’) didn’t kick in for like two weeks. Which is a lot to take on faith in modern times. And of course, some people dont respond to certain meds, and so forth… and scary as it is, it’s kinda trial and error. There’s nothing for it – it’s not like fixing a car or a computer… which can already be arcane as it is.
So… chin up, stay strong, your fans are here supporting you and wishing you well
You weren’t prescribed Lamotrigine by any chance? That stuff is the worst.
But glad to hear that you’re feeling better.
And I know that my opinion doesn’t matter for much… But I think your comics are the knees of bees. So please keep on making more of them.
(Also, avoid Reddit at all costs, there is naught but angry ghosts there.)
Reddit? Who cares what Reddit users think? It’s a mass amalgamation of internet nerds, who, let’s face it, have the taste of a glass of water. Community’s like some sort of newbie 4chan. Its dominated by the 18-24 age demographic. Expecting taste during those years is simply fighting against the wind.
Keep making great stuff! I’m not saying ignore what people like. People on the internet don’t want interesting stuff most of the time, they want shit they can send to their gamer friends/post on their facebook wall. Knowing that, the fact you aren’t being upvoted 5 billion times makes sense. Draw a single comic referring to a videogame injoke, and see how many views you get. I recommend half life 2-3, portal 2, legend of zelda, or teamfortress 2. Post on reddit, it will make life in general make so much more sense.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pdz5kCaCRFM
Your webcomic is the one I look forward to the most each week out of any I read! The art is amazing, the jokes are smart and funny, and your blog posts are always fun to read. You should know that you have plenty of happy fans right here and that reddit is a stupid popularity grabbing mire of boring content. You don’t need to be internet famous as long as YOU like what you make.
Scott I’ve been reading your comic for what feels like forever now, and I’d just like to say that I really appreciate you making it. It cheers me up when I’m down and it pushes me to keep working towards making my own comic. I still don’t feel I’m ready, but every time I see your comic I want to keep trying. You’re probably my favorite person on the internet, and I think your other viewers would agree that if you need time away from the comic then you should take it.
If the opinions of Reddit mattered we would be ruled by cats with captions stapled to them. Don’t let it get you down.
I’m pretty sure I need a jacket like that now.
By the way, I repost your comics on facebook with some frequency, and whenever I do I get about five people to like it and I’ve been told by two that they started following your comic because of it.
I know it’s not much, but I wanted to let you know that you’ve got some fans over in midwest, and we’re really happy that you were able to make entertaining content with an intriguing art style.
Here’s hoping you’re able to feel a little better, and maybe find some meds that don’t destroy you from the inside. Cheers
I’m a huge fan and occasionally comment. I should comment on every strip because they all deserve a nod of appreciation. I feel I should know better. I wrote a book that came out in 2012 and (if I say so) it was pretty damn good. But tons of other books that were crappier sold more, got more attention, etc. It’s frustrating as an artist to look at how your contribution to the world is received and think, ‘THAT thing about bisexual werewolves got a nod as ‘best of 2012 books? Seriously?’
Uh…not that I have anything against bisexual werewolves.
I don’t have grand wisdom about how I ‘got through it’ or something like that. I try to remind myself that artists create because we have to – it brings us alive and it’s what we do. But the recognition, success, interwebs love…all of that is gravvy.
I love your strip. I have posted them multiple times on my Facebook page and said, ‘read this insightful, hilarious take on _________.’ You’re brilliant. You’re a true artist. And that may have to be enough, mister.
Hello. I love your comics and appreciate it very much.
I would also buy a book instantly.
For your health problems. Maybe you should test Ginsana. It really helped me, because i was often feeling ill, was stressed and often afraid. It is a Ginseng-Mixture, not expensive and there are no sideeffects.
http://www.drugstore.com/ginsana-all-natural-energy-softgels/qxp80906
Hey, just wanted to let you know that as an intelligent person on the internet I greatly appreciate this comic. It’s a gem that I look forward to reading. You’re hitting a rare combination here: intelligent, informative, and funny. I haven’t seen anything else that comes close and I hope that you continue to pursue the comic- for all our sakes!
The way of the world man, can’t change it, sadly enough.
I love what you do, and I shove every new comic you make through all my friends throats when you have a new one
Love your work, especially the comics about mythology, keep up the good work!
I would say keep trying different meds until you find one that fits. I am currently on two anti depressants and I was on one that made me over sleep waaaay too much. But now I am like a regular person. =p I’m sure there will be a med that fits you. Keep trying I say! =)
Another longtime lurker – and just wanted to chime in that I really enjoy Happle Tea. A strong point of view, really strong punchlines, and genuinely interesting religion commentary bring me back every week. Thanks for the awesome comix, and I hope you can find a regimen that helps improve your health situation!
Long time reader, first time commentor.
It’s difficult for people to believe sometimes the stuff our minds put us through when we are required to be social. My Doctor finally convinced me to take a SSRI, now finally I am off and I am working on other ways to decrease my anxiety. As for personal therapy, St. John’ Wort has been easy to take, smoothes out the wrinkles of my mood a bit and I can function. Took a lot of self-reflection to see what it is that I _can_ fix, and what I cannot. But I will admit, I could not have gotten to this point without a little help. One SSRI didn’t work, and it took a while to discover that, but the next one did.
My only thought would be to remind you that as an introvert, we do not derive our energy from social situations. Remember to take plenty of time for YOU, however you need it. Sometimes we have to fake it until we make it, but be doubly good to yourself afterwards.
Thank you for what you do. I thoroughly enjoy comic, but I love love love the insightful information/thought you put afterwards in your blog post. It’s that extra touch that reminds the rest of us people (us anxiety-ridden ones too!) that you’re a real person speaking to us. Not some random rage comic that people cut and paste to suit their “joke”.
come and tell us next time that hits you-you know you’ll get support from your fans here, and don’t need to worry about it. Everyone just hopes you get through it.
I know what you mean about Reddit, my line of work is a bit different but you see that everywhere. But just remember that stuff is popular like McDonald’s, the stuff that’s predictable and easy to consume will always attract the most consumers, but that doesn’t mean they get the most love, no one love’s McDonald’s, it’s just that a lot of people grab it when they need something quick. People love your work, but it takes some thought, I usually read the comic and then read the whole write up, since my brother reads them too it’s sometimes a topic when we call each other.
This is the internet, and as such can be easily altered to show false implications. An upvote is basically the same as a subscriber or a view on youtube now, it really means nothing anymore. Viewbots can change the amounts of views, multiple accounts create more subscribers. but they are empty lies.
I’ve recently got into game making and I began feeling the same way when I see things like the slender clones and “the crooked man” (MOST CLICHE GAME EVER, and it still makes no sense) being so popular, when some of the better things are ignored or just skimmed over like a fad….
I however like your comic, it’s more original and unique compared to the rest of the things out there, and I find it a shame when something original is lost to the world.
However, I will admit that you owe nothing to anyone in making these comics, so you can make them at your own pace and when you feel like it.
if I didn’t get my point across, it’s most likely since I suck at telling my point.
I just want to say I love your comic and read it regularly. It brings a lot of light to my life, so thank you for your time, your effort, and your wonderful mind.
I am really glad you are back! I enjoy these comics so immensely that I was really feeling worried when you weren’t posting. I have problems with anxiety as well, and I totally understand. But I am glad you are feeling better!
Your comics are great, and I love your blog posts! Now go draw ALL THE THINGS!
Your comics and posts are the only regular comicposts I check out
I love your work and your writing. I just wanted to say that and post something for you since you’ve been feeling down, normally I don’t comment, I never have. Take care.
i don’t know if your into alternative medicine…but, medical cannabis is very good for anxiety…depending on the strain, I’m not saying it’s for everyone, but it helps my anxiety alot..you should do some research on it.
Also, chamomile tea is amazing for anxiety, theres a brand of tea called tension tamer with chamomile in it, and it’s so amazing at relieving stress, i love it~
In my opinion, Reddit is a terrible place to find good webcomics for exactly the reason you mentioned in the blog post. I currently follow around 300 webcomics, and Happle Tea is the only one I read that is not only funny, but consistently presents aspects of folklore that I’ve never considered or heard about. So, thank you for giving us this wonderful comic and please remember that you’re appreciated if you start getting anxious about it again.
Yay, you’re back! I wish to give you all the hugs! All of them!
You know Happle Tea is awesome, we all know Happle Tea is awesome, Reddit is just plain ignorant sometimes. =D
Though I know it’s very possible to know that and still get down about things sometimes. It’s so frustrating to know something on an intellectual level and yet still not always “get it” on an emotional/instinctual level.
Also, I feel you there with the anxiety and the hey and the woo. 10 years after my initial “generalized anxiety disorder” diagnosis, I’m doing better but man can it wallop me upside the head sometimes. For me, I’m now mostly fine when I’m awake, except for feeling physically ill when I’m having a stressful conversation with my boss and having a somewhat low tolerance for noisy bars full of drunk people. But at night I have what I call the “screaming heebie jeebies” – I’ll wake up from a nightmare, think it’s still going on, and go running across the apartment, sometimes screaming at the top of my lungs. My spouse is less than thrilled with this, as you can imagine. I don’t want to be medicated for the nightmares, as the current standard-of-treatment is “take this very strong tranquilizer before bed, sleep in a sleeping bag wearing mittens, and don’t do anything involving an electronic screen for two hours before bed. Have fun!”
Still, it’s getting to the point that I either need to find a new job or start shopping for sleeping bags. (Yay job search?)
Stupid stupid unbalanced brain chemicals.
In case you are interested, there are a few things that have helped me go from depressed and anxious basket case to fairly functional basket case (mostly joking!):
– Eating a big green salad on a daily basis, along with eating a decently-healthy diet the rest of the time. Even my coworkers notice the difference when I’m getting my vegetables regularly. I have no idea how or why it works, but it does work well for me.
– Regular exercise. I doesn’t seem to matter what it is, so long as I’m getting a consistent dose of endorphins and sweat.
– Meditation. Seated, walking a labyrinth, doing yoga, it doesn’t matter how so long as I do it.
– Talking to a therapist. I like my therapist. She doesn’t ask about my childhood or “how that made me feel” or what I think things signify. She asks me what’s bugging me, we brainstorm ways to deal with it (fix it or cope with it), and she encourages me to keep trying even when I feel like a mess.
– Brain drugs. I was on Zoloft for the better part of a decade (and it helped a lot), then it stopped working for me AND completely shut off my sex drive. Getting off of it was a total pain in the butt, though it’s nice to now be on a new brain-drug that doesn’t really have much in the way of side effects (Wellbutrin). Once I’m settled into a new job, I’m hoping to get off of the Wellbutrin with a doctor’s help. I don’t like needing to take something that can make me monstrously sick when I forget to take it. I’m dealing with moderate depression and anxiety, which can often be controlled through non-pharmaceutical means, but medication has been a great crutch when I can’t deal on my own. I’m hopeful that when I’m in a less stressful situation, diet, exercise, and meditation will sufficient to keep me healthy.
TL;DR version:
I’m happy you’re back. We all know you’re awesome, it’s just the rest of the internet that is stupid. Unbalanced brain chemicals really suck.
Drugs can be helpful and they can be totally terrible. Eating lots of veggies, exercising regularly, meditating regularly, and talking to a therapist that you work well with can also be very helpful and don’t really have downsides in my experience.
i don’t comment here often but just wanted to give you my best wishes
HEY.
Just wanted to let you know that your comics are the best, like ever, and I really love to read your mini essays about mythology that come after them.
Keep on rocking!
Another lurker here. Even though I compulsively check for new updates even on wednesdays and sundays, I rarely comment. I just never have anything to say that seems pertinent to the existing conversation with brefelan and all the other people who hang about and comment regularly. I guess that can make it seem like only those handful of people care enough to follow regularly, but the one thing I think you need to know is that that’s not true. Even the silent watchers are very much affected by your work – or sudden silence.
Now, I don’t know much about reddit, as I have decided to avoid getting into that whole mess, but one thing I do know about people in general is that those who yell the loudest have the least to say. Just ignore such people and try not to be discouraged. You are cared for by far more people than you may realize. It’s always a tragedy to see a great artist waste away because he is never told or can never believe that fact.
I guess that’s the whole purpose of my ramblings: to remind you that you’re not just shouting into the dark, you just can’t always hear the reply.
And from now on I’m going to try to reply a little louder, comment more often, and just generally remind you that you’re appreciated (at least as far as my opinion counts).
This is the first time I’ve ever commented on your comic and it’s not something I do very often but I wanted to say that your comic is one of the best on the internet in my opinion. On par with Three Word Phrase, Nedroid, and Gunshow. I don’t know whether you consider these to be good comics or not but I love them and hopefully you will take this post as a compliment. lol. I have decided that as soon as I find my tablet pen I will be doing a fanart for your comic because I am definitely a fan.
I have a stress triggured autoimmune disease that makes me immediately sick in very stressful or overwhelming situations so I completely relate. Taking time to find a doctor that is right for you and understands your medical background (physical and mental) can be a life saver for many. Don’t get deterred or stressed out if you feel like you need to switch but don’t hold off on trying new meds altogether either! Finding the right one can be challenging but when you find it can be life changing. Just keep putting yourself out there! You’re my favorites Web comic artist!
Hi, first time commentator, long time reader and advertiser.
I go to 4chan, and I’ve never seen a bad post about you on /co/. Please don’t post as yourself there, because that usually gets worse the more you pay attention to posts about yourself there. If you ever do see someone compliment your work, I would advise popping in to say hello and appreciate your fan. And if you see someone be critical of your work, please read it, see if he’s trying to be helpful to you, learn from the mistake he pointed out and do not reply at all. Or you’ll look like a gigantic faggot, tool, or worse like Tom Preston.
Do not give any fuck about Reddit. Your work is amazing and there should be more people who know about it. Your jokes are great and you obviously put a lot of effort into your work which is more than I can say than a lot of “popular” webcomics out there. If you continue to do this work, you will be noticed.
Your comics are a wonderful part of my week. Thanks for your hard work!
I just want to express how much I love your work!! I sometimes just reread the archives with the use of the ‘random’ button. Visiting your site always makes my day!
I’m sorry you’ve been unwell, and I really hope you feel lots better soon. You can get through this, I believe in you!!
Welcome back, glad to hear that you are recovering. Please don’t push yourself too hard, there’s no need to “balance the ledger”. We (meaning your entire audience) get to read your comics for free, you are never obligated to produce anything (but we are always happy to read the material you publish).
First time poster, been reading for a while now. I just wanted to say I love your comics and their accompanying posts. So fun! So informative! Keep it up!
YOU’RE BACK…i thought you’d went and left us all here…good luck and thank you for such an amazing comic…a lot of comics have come and gone from my attention span…but yours is one i always come back to…again good luck and I’m sure you’ll figure it all out eventually.
I know you’ve already gotten a ton of comments, so hopefully you’re not sick of support by now. I wanted to let you know that I’ve experienced the same gut-wrenching anxiety my whole life. I would miss out on birthdays and holidays, or even just school days, because I got excited or anxious and suddenly I was too nauseous to function. Every night, I’d sleep with a pot by my bed in case I had to throw up. I didn’t even know what anxiety was until my senior year of high school, and didn’t make the connection to my symptoms until a year or so later. I saw my primary care physician and was put on Zoloft, which made me incredibly nauseous and worsened my panic attacks, so I stopped taking it. It took me 6 years to give medicine another shot. Even then, I had to try several different kinds and at different doses before finding one that works for me. Even now, the meds don’t alleviate 100% of my anxiety. But I’ve found one that helps reduce my nausea and increase my appetite, which is really the greatest thing I could hope for.
My point is, I’ve been where you are, and I hope that this terrible experience doesn’t turn you off of the notion of medicine forever. It can take some time, but it CAN be worth it. I hope that things work out for you, and I will gladly be here if you want someone to talk to about this.
Keep up the good work,
Jen
Just want to pat your shoulder and say to you that I love your smart, witty and lovable comics. Everyone can make “comedy” by making a compilation of guys who kick each other in their nuts, but it requires skill to do what you do. You are great.
I’ve been there dude — I’ve got major anxiety and lots of similar problems, and it makes functioning hard. The thing to remember is that people on the internet are idiots and complex jokes about material that requires STUDY are too difficult for the masses.
I love your comics, and I found them when Ovid of Better Myths recommended you. I hope life gets easier — if for no other reason that the weather is turning GORGEOUS!
I just wanted to say how much I love your comics, how they capture an innocence and a beauty and an innate intelligent humanity, not to mention silliness that makes it worth it to read and reread your comics and notes. I visit your page daily, sometimes because I compulsively wish there were more comics, even though it’s not the update day and sometimes just to read old comics again. I learn more about mythology in a more engaging way than I ever have before, and I’m someone who loves fantasy and religious debates. I know what it’s like to deal with anxiety that feels crippling and I’m so glad that you are back making comics. Never doubt that you are incredibly, amazingly talented. You are doing something completely different to anything else I have ever seen and I just f***ing love it.
Don’t stress yourself out with trying to get a full week of updates! I’m very happy when you do update, but I’m even happier knowing that your well-being isn’t compromised.
Hello K,
Just couldn’t read this post and not post a little solidarity comment. The internet is a bizarre mishmash of incredible stupidity and amazing connections to positive people. If there is any one artist I can think of who might be a useful person to check out in dealing with internet hate, it would be Amanda Palmer. Her blog might be interesting to you – she’s becoming somewhat of a modern myth/centrifuge of collective attention, and it’s really fascinating. Anyhow, I hope the many friendly comments I’ve just skimmed past here can bolster you. I’ll add that I have many much-clicked webcomics, but yours is the one I share with friends the most – funny, and smart, and accessible to geeky webcomic folks and my grandma alike. I especially appreciate how well you manage to poke fun at religious things without the kind of troll-like dissing that I see from some religious atheists I know. As a vague pagan, I greatly enjoy your work.
Peace,
E
PS Best wishes for the ongoing process that is dealing with anxiety stuff. I feel you on that one. Do what feels right, and may you find tools that are healthy and functional.
Hi.
I started reading this webcomic on Monday last week and by Thursday I was up to date. It’s that good. From what I have seen of Reddit – both good and bad – that is not the sort of place to seek affirmation.
I am not trying to make you feel bad about being swayed by the “masses”. On the contrary, you do good work and the people who appreciate it (and you) do so here. On your very own page
Hopefully, when things seem gloomy, you will remember that we are all in your corner.
Hey, Scott! Thanks for the shout out.
Though not exactly the same, I suffer from bouts of depression from time to time and have had similar problems with medication, so I feel for you. No words of wisdom or advice, I’m just glad you’re feeling better.
Hey, don’t worry! This is the very stuff that people would share on Reddit. In fact, a good portion of the (sane) people in my school read this.
I’m not a centaur, but keep it up, bro.
BROOOOO
SNAAAAAAAAAAAAAAKE
What, that was the first Metal Gear reference in the comments? Huh.
Can I just say – I love reading your comics, I like reading the posts (to the point I sometimes feel guilty when I gloss over what feels like an opportunity to learn something new) – you seem to have such an open world view that makes me try just a little bit harder to be open minded and curious. I remember randomly coming across this comic some time ago, and I’ve made a point to ensure I kept the link in my bookmarks regardless of how many computers or browsers I’ve switched to. I hope this doesn’t sound silly since I’ve never met you, but I’m just being honest.
I don’t read reddit but I do read you comic. I love Little K, the cat god, all of the Greek mythology related comics and learning about other mythologies.
Thanks you very much for making your comic
I’m a little late to this party, since I check in on this webcomic once in a while, just so I can click through a couple of strips instead of one.
I read your blogpost and found it to be very honest as well as based in a very real situation. I realise that you’ve already had a lot of people assure you that you are awesome and deserve a lot better, and with that I can only agree.
I guess my main point here is that I don’t think your brilliant, thoughtful strips will ever receive a bigger upvote or anything like that. But I don’t necessarily think that numbers matter that much on the internet. Yes, a million people love a rage-comic, but they won’t remember it tomorrow.
Your stuff lingers, it really does. I have the attention span of a concussed goldfish and I still check up on your comic regularly, and I can’t wait to have some money so that I can buy a bit of merchandise and support you as I would love to do with all of the webcomics that I follow – the ones that linger with me, that are remembered.
I won’t tell you to keep up the good work unless it’s what you want to do – but god, I hope it’s what you want to do.
Hey I read what you said, and I have to just say. Don’t feel unappreciated. Your comics are amazing I read them anytime I get the chance. I love the stories, I love the comedy and I love learning something every once in a while. I hope everything works out for you and I just have to say I appreciate your work.