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Introduction

      When I was twenty-five years old, a depressive episode stopped me in my tracks. I struggled to find purpose or meaning in anything—my brain seemingly refused to produce the positive feelings of connection, creation, or victory. And even worse, my never-ending internal monologue continually repeated how much of a disappointment and a failure I was.

      What changed? While browsing a blog, I came across the art of rubyetc. She had an amazing way of illustrating depression struggles with humor and honesty. And I realized I wasn’t alone.

      With encouragement from a kind and helpful therapist, I began writing my own affirmations and doodling cute little animals in the hopes of trying to find compassion for myself. Though I didn’t feel I deserved goodness, I was determined that for every shame, disappointment, and negative judgement I thought and felt, I could find a kind counter thought. I theorized that kindness and colorful animals could help me heal. And you know what? They did actually help. My depression has never lifted entirely, but I have learned the battle is only half as painful when I’ve stopped shaming myself for it.

      So, after several years of writing and drawing affirming animals to help me get through, I created this book. You’re Strong, Smart, and You Got This is my attempt to accumulate all the lessons I’ve learned and philosophies I’ve adopted in order to live a fulfilling and productive life, despite depression and anxiety. I wrote each chapter to my younger self, with confidence that if I could invent a time machine and present this to a younger Kate, she would not have felt so alien and hopeless.

      I obviously do not have all the answers, but I have come a long way. And my philosophy is, if I find something that helps, I want to share it. We all have our messes to navigate our own way though, right? I hope that in sharing mine, you, too, will feel less alone.

      Dear Past Kate,

      I made this book for you. Since I didn't get a chance to read anything like it when I was your age, I wrote it instead. Within, you'll find several short letters that I know will help you with a lot of your specific struggles. Oh, and drawings, too. Please: Never. Stop. Drawing.

      When you're feeling overwhelmed, when you're afraid of not knowing what's ahead, when you feel like you're just not good enough, when you hate yourself, when your relationships don't quite feel right, and you feel like you don't belong anywhere—please READ THIS. No matter what problem feels insurmountable right now, just remember: You're Strong, Smart, and YOU GOT THIS.

      Love,

      Future Kate

This Is for When You're Feeling Overwhelmed