Cover Image: Everything Is OK

Everything Is OK

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Member Reviews

A relatable and thoughtful look on living with depression and anxiety. I loved the message of hope throughout and acknowledging that it’s ok to not always be ok.

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Huge thanks to Andrews McMeel Publishing @andrewsmcmeel and Netgalley @netgalley for this e-ARc in exchange for an honest review.

I love when authors take the time to write relatable content on the topic of mental illness. We live in a day and age when it is a common and unfortunate epidemic, however, still stigmatized as problematic. This graphic novel is raw and visceral. The author takes the time to expose the realities of having depression and what it actually looks like on the daily. Not much is hidden here and I admire the work that was done to depict what going through therapy might look like as well. I enjoyed that the author still explained at the end that it's something that is never cured but just something that has to be treated and managed. The reality of having this type of illness.

My only gripe with this book is that it was marketed as having humor in it. I just didn't see it. Could have been just me. Maybe I didn't get it or just didn't think it was funny.

Overall, 4 stars for the above stated reasons. I do think this would be a good resource for depression. You are not alone. Also for family members/ caretakers to read so they too can understand what depression looks like in a way that is fun and relatable.

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In Everything is OK the author speaks of her own struggles with mental illness while trying to do freelance artwork and do a part time job that's asking a lot of her. She speaks honestly about how she has negative self talk and doesn't understand why she's feeling so bad when others have it worse. The art included in this book is beautiful. I want some pages as prints to have in my home. The author is able to better understand herself by the end by going to therapy and has a great message for others that may be struggling too.

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Everything Is OK by Debbie Tung is currently scheduled for release on September 6 2022. It is the story of Debbie Tung’s struggle 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. In this graphic memoir, Debbie aims to provide positive and comforting messages to anyone who is facing similar difficulties or is just trying to get through a tough time in life. She hopes to encourage readers to be kinder to themselves, to know that they are not alone, and that it’s okay to be vulnerable because they are not defined by their mental health struggles. The dark clouds won’t be there forever. Everything will turn out all right.

Everything Is OK is a great read for anyone that has struggled with any kind of depression or anxiety, or loves someone who has. Sometimes just knowing you are not alone, that there are others that have been through similar struggles and come out the other side gives hope and a bit of peace. I think this graphic memoir does a great job of illustrating one person's struggle- both in accepting that their problems are enough to deserve help. I also like that it seems clear that eveyone's experience and journey dealing with mental health can be different. I agree with the idea that none of us really know what we are doing, and feel inadequate, awkward, or simply bad about ourselves sometimes. It is learning how to treat ourselves with the same care and respect we give others, and giving ourselves the grace that we would give our loved ones, that allows us to keep moving forward and be happier, better people all around. We are enough, each and every one of us. It is sometimes had to believe about myself, but it is soothing to know I am not alone in that doubt, and that I can make steps to do better in caring for myself.

Everything Is OK is a powerful, engaging, and relatable read. Those suffering from depression and/or anxiety can see some of themselves in the story and those that want to better understand how those of us dealing with it feel so they can better empathize and support the people in their lives that do.

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This book is a great reminder that it is 100% okay to NOT be okay. I felt this book in my heart and soul. It spoke to me in ways that I didn't know I needed.

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Everything is OK is an absolute GEM. This graphic novel follows the author's journey though becoming officially diagnosed with depression and what that looks and feels like for her. This graphic novel spoke to my soul. While reading it I felt like someone climbed in my brain and made a book about me. The way the author shows her thoughts and feelings made me feel seen. This may be the most relatable book that I have read, and I truly think that it would be really helpful for those that do not quite understand what it feels like to be depressed. It is not just sitting in bed and crying, but this graphic novel shows readers what it TRULY looks like for real, everyday people, and I could see it helping build empathy and understanding for those who do not experience this on a daily basis. This novel also helped normalize therapy and show the positive sides of talking to someone. Overall, I absolutely LOVED this book, and highly recommend it!

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The imagery is beautiful. The messaging is full of hope. The story felt very long and often heavier than necessary, but overall I enjoyed it.

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I got this on Netgalley in exchange for an honest review!

I really enjoyed this, and that it (generally) had a chronological order! It shows mental illness in such a realistic and everyday way, and I could relate to a lot of the things included. My only complaint was that some areas felt a bit dragged out and repetitive, and other times I lost the thread a little since it sidetracked a lot, but overall really good! Perfect for anyone wanting to read more about accurate representation of mental health / illnesses!

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As far as I can tell, Debbie Tung’s Quiet Girl in a Noisy World and Book Love were essentially her way of not so subtly telling me she’s been stalking me for my entire adult life. She tried to throw me off the trail by focusing on the ‘aww, aren’t they adorable?’ relationship she and Jason have in Happily Ever After & Everything In Between. Now, in her fourth graphic novel, Debbie takes a deep dive into my mental health.

From telling people you’re fine when you’re anything but to sleepless nights spent questioning every decision you’ve ever made, Debbie speaks honestly about mental health. Depression. Anxiety. Panic attacks. Suicidal ideation. You not only hear the thoughts that accompany them, you see what they feel like.

Sometimes just knowing you’re not alone is enough and that’s what this graphic novel does. Debbie’s story acknowledges the darkness but also provides hope.

“Asking for help was the most courageous thing I ever did.
It meant that I refused to give up and I wanted to give myself a chance to heal.”

It’s one thing to know the types of things that can have a positive impact on your mental health - counselling, self care, celebrating the small wins, gratitude, mindfulness - but hearing how those strategies have helped someone with lived experience gives them more weight.

I’m not an artist so can’t explain this very well but some art feels lofty and unapproachable to me, like I’m being kept at arm’s length. Debbie’s style, though, feels relatable and down to earth. She draws me in with her art and her words.

One thing I really loved about this graphic novel was the use of blue throughout. It’s such an appropriate choice given the subject matter and the muted tones somehow both set the tone and made the content feel non-threatening. The bursts of colour, when they did make an appearance, had a greater impact.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Andrews McMeel Publishing for the opportunity to read this graphic novel.

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**ARC provided by NetGalley for honest review**

Everything Is OK by Debbie Tung was an honest and heartfelt memoir-type comic about the author's struggles with anxiety and mental health. Although much different in content than her other books, I feel this will be an important work for many people. This story portrays glimpses of her childhood and her first noticing a problem all through seeking professional help and her day-to-day experience battling for emotional wellness. Full of encouragement and practical advice, this memoir could open up many conversations regarding depression, anxiety, mindfulness, and much more. Recommend for fans of Debbie Tung, Dear Evan Hansen, or those of us who may need some solidarity in regards to this topic. #youwillbefound <3

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A simple yet relatable collection of short comics through which Tung processes the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of their depression. Many people have gone through what Tung shares in this book, and in illustrating her most vulnerable thoughts and feelings can help others who may be fighting similar battles. It's very easy to digest, and Tung's restrained color palette, with carefully chosen uses of color, reflects the reality of her depression.

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I absolutely loved this book! I am a huge fan of Debbie already and was excited to see another release from her. Her comics and illustrations are always so relatable and creative. This book felt like a perfect interpretation of how I have felt many times. This book is perfect for helping us realise we are not alone in how we feel. I cannot wait to read more from Debbie!

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Everything is okay is a graphical self help book, which I came across when I was in one of my low states. Through a storys Debbie Tung beautifully portrayed depression and what happens when we let others or even our emotions run wild and affect us so badly that it translates to physical pain.
Debbie Tung is a great writer and I found myself nodding to a lot of things she mentioned in the book, and noted down a few quotes which may help me when I may feel a tad down.
But most importantly Ms Tung communicated that it's okay to self criticise, but also appreciate ourselves. Like everything, there should be a balance in life, and I strive to achieve it myself some day. Depression is not a disease, but it is not something which should be brushed under the carpet.

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I absolutely adored this book! The author uses simple yet beautiful artwork to showcase her journey through depression and recovery. I found myself relating to many of the events that the author goes through and found inspiration in how she got help and pushed through her trials. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is going through anxiety and depression.

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An exploration of mental health by the author of Quiet Girl in a Noisy world that, though cute, feels a little impersonal. The whole book feels more like the author trying to give the reader a pep-talk, rather than really going deep into their own struggle, which is fine. it just feels very surface level compared to other similar works.

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Absolutely painfully personal but it is so welcome. The dedication at the start really kicked off what I knew was about to be a feels fest but I honestly wasn't expecting it to see me so… viscerally. It's easy to feel alone in the throes of mental illness and this was just one gentle reminder that you're not and you shouldn't be. It's a kind reminder to not isolate, to learn, to unpack the conflicted feelings that surround mental illness.

It's not the heaviest read on the topic of mental illness, but it doesn't shy away from things that made my chest feel tight. The fact that it flips between good days and bad days constantly, even having those good days in color and the others in black and white. There's hope throughout but also shows you that mental illness is always an uphill battle but it gets easier.

There are so many lines in this that really resonated, were solid things to keep in my pocket and tell myself when those days get too overwhelming. I appreciated this book, just as I appreciate any book where someone comes forth and talks, really talks, about mental illness.

Give it a read. It's a solid reminder of many things we all need to hear but often forget to tell ourselves.

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One of the more consistent creators doing this kind of thing presents a case of burn-out, panic attack and anxiety-led depression. On the whole it is a narrative book, although it doesn't feel that at first – and once you get over the hurdle of the middle some of the narrative voice really feels like "fine Debbie" as opposed to "angsty Debbie" or "Debbie's therapist". But even when things become more fractured and less flowing, they clearly become something else – the poster to get enlarged at work and pinned on your cork board, the adage to learn by rote, the message to take on heart and get yourself through a similar downer. Said therapist is clearly of the mind that people in this situation spend too much time and energy and effort berating themselves, as opposed to caring for themselves – they would never direct the language they fire at themselves to anyone else. This then is a really strong look at how you can reappraise yourself, calm down, accept no end of flaws (because yes, they are there) and not keep hammering yourself into a dead-end hole. Entertaining? Scarcely. Empathy-building look at what a friend might be going through? Chances are. Potentially life-saving self-help book in graphic novel form? Most assuredly.

PS My comment about "this kind of thing" is from some misconception that the author has previously tackled such subjects. Yes, her second book was concerning the need to be on point socially, and how introverts suffer from expectations too much, but I see now her other books have been "ooh, aren't books and tea nice?" (which is of course only fifty per cent accurate), and her last, concerning wedded bliss. If anything this deserves higher praise because she has not delved down the misery memoir/self-help sofa back before now.

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Debbie Tung é uma autora que eu gosto muito. E todos os livros anteriores se tornaram muito queridos, nota máxima, perfeitos, incríveis - Quiet Girl in a Noisy World, Book Love e Happily Ever After são maravilhosos! Mas, com Everything is Ok, pela primeira vez, eu não sei qual nota dar para um livro da Debbie.

Everything is Ok não foi tão ok assim, pelo menos para mim. Muitos gatilhos. Falar de ansiedade e depressão me deixou ansiosa, porque eu fui me identificando com tudo o que a Debbie desenhava/escrevia e isso foi um gatilho muito forte, fiquei bem mal. Então... não sei dizer se amei ou não. Ela continua sendo uma autora fantástica, mas esse livro em específico não me fez bem.

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This book is the best anxiety and depression handbook that I've ever experienced.

As someone who is coping with mental health issues, the book is so realistic and relatable... I wanted to screenshot almost every alternate page to bookmark.

I also believe that this book can be an eye opening experience for anyone who is struggling to see that they have mental health issues, and could provide a much needed sense of not being alone, and knowing where to start.

For the rest, it will be a valuable insight into the world of the people struggling with anxiety and depression.

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In her signature comic style, Debbie Tung takes on a more serious topic from her other books as she tackles her own experiences with depression and anxiety. Her story serves as a help manual and cry of encouragement for those suffering for mental illness and is useful for those who know someone suffering from mental illness to better understand what their loved one is going through. Each page can stand as its own slice-of-life mini story, but overall they create a cohesive narrative as well. A timely read in today's mental health conversations.

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