"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.
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.
"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.
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 Facebook, Instagram, Tumblr, or Twitter.
