Thank you Andrews McMeel Publishing and Netgalley for providing me with an eARC in exchange for my honest review!
In this graphic memoir, Debbie Tung talks about her struggles with anxiety and her experience with depression. She shares what it’s like navigating life, overthinking every possible worst-case scenario, and constantly feeling like all hope is lost.
The book explores her journey to understanding the importance of mental health in her day-to-day life and how she learns to embrace the highs and lows when things feel out of control. Debbie opens up about deeply personal issues and the winding road to recovery, discovers the value of self-love, and rebuilds a more mindful relationship with her mental health.
Rating: ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ (4)
I've been reading more and more graphic novels that talk about mental health and I've realized that I really like reading about that topic in this format. Seeing these stories being told visually has been such a different experience for me. You see the journey of the struggle, hitting rock-bottom and then the recovery. There isn't a pill you can take that will immediately "cure" you from these mental health issues. It's a long journey of unlearning some self-distructive behavior for example and listening to your own needs by setting boundaries for yourself and other people.
There were parts that I found quite relatable. It's easy to get stuck in this spiral of sadness and it's so hard to get out of it. This memoir also shows the importance of having a support system. People who will help you get out of this spiral. There is always someone who's willing to be that support system for you!
Lastly, I would like to mention the way Tung played with colors. Every time the "character" (so the author herself) feels a little more hopeful, the drawings turn into colored drawings. The rest of the comic panels are gray. I'm pretty sure this was done on purpose and I think that's so clever.
'Everything is OK' comes out on September 27th 2022!