Promise
Chapter: Season Six
Thank you for the very nice comments and emails about this arc. This story means a lot to me.
Comments are closed.
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Thank you for the very nice comments and emails about this arc. This story means a lot to me.
Comments are closed.
HOVER-TEXT: No jokes today. Just go hug someone who means a lot to you.
I wasn;t expecting this when i started reading D20
I didn’t want this level of connection from what i originally thought was my morning funnies read
Now . .I can;t imagine my morning without it.
Awesome work . . i am sitting here after a long bad stint and realised honestly i was at Cell 2.
Thank you for the kick in the pants Brian.
I mean that.
I’ve been working on reading these from the beginning for the past few weeks, because they were entertaining, and this just hit a really personal note for me. I’m left every session feeling awful about myself, and I catch myself saying that all the time.
Hugs from Nashville.
Holy crap, this is hitting a bit harder than I expected.
I’m going through some personal stuff right now, and I do the same thing when it comes to my emotions. I hate being a burden.
Dammit Brian, don’t make me cry in class.
Thanks for this storyline. Self-care, and accepting help from your friends, is so important. I love that one of my favourite webcomics is also empathetic.
-sigh-
Depression sucks. It really gnaws on you. Even when you think you’ve beaten it.
You have addressed this in a very sober and respectful way. Even with Brett being… well, Brett.
A lot of people are afraid to tackle this topic, and I really find it refreshing that people dares to.
I’ve been out of treatment and well for about a 1 year now. There are still pangs. But to see people work and treat this the way it needs to be addressed. That’s important as all hell.
I agree that it’s incredibly important to address.
But I suspect one of the reasons why a lot of authors should avoid addressing it is that it’s very difficult to portray the long term problem. As you say, “even when you think you’ve beaten it”. How do you portray that in a comic strip? We had people in the first one going “Yeah, Brett’s thing is awesome, that’s totally how it works!”. And we’ve got people here going “Yeah, look at that Breakthrough moment!”.
Is this well written? Yeah. Brett’s dickishness is a normal response and fits his character. Jeanne’s response is also normal and fits her character ,given her revealed history. But people look at the comic and go “Well, this is a comic, and thereforee will be resolved quickly”.
And that’s not the case with depression, ever. Brian’s a good author, but I’m still nervous about how he’ll portray this ongoing.
Maybe, Alastores, the ongoing part happens out here. It’s a story, and, by its very nature, it has to move along. But out here, we feel some connection to the story, and it speaks to some part of the path that we are on. That connection impels some of us to act, to connect to others or to Brian, or just to the world at large. Some of us see ourselves sitting in Sam’s chair, or Brett’s or Jeanne’s. And we think about it, we talk about it, and maybe this time, we do something about it. Before it’s too late. You’re right, the whole story of depression doesn’t fit well into three panels. It’s long, it hurts and for much of it, it’s boring as hell. But stories like this, where characters you care about find themselves in trouble that you know something about, are an opportunity to take steps toward recovery, to talk about what we’ve gone through and to shine our own lights on the issue. That’s where the real work gets done. Stories are catalysts for learning and for action. They are not instruction manuals or walkthroughs.
I know.
But people want them to be instruction manuals. And in the case of depression, people want quick fixes.
Brian’s handled this quite realistically so far (including Brett’s horrible speech), so hopefully we’ll see “This isn’t automatically fixed”.
Damn there must be a lot of dust in the air. People, if there folks who are in your life just let them know you are there for them. I live through a lot of regrets about this and it is not something you want on your conscience. No judgement, I didn’t make a mistake, I just didn’t pay attention.
Dang Brian, you really throw a lot of emotion in your sadness.
You convey that in a drawing intesely well
I don’t have much words on this story beyond “Well done”.
Tears. I’ve felt. Damn it Brian!
Oh man ive been there its what i imagine hell is like. And it hurts it physicly hurts
This really hits me deep, and I think you really capture what it’s like to feel depression. Big fan of this entire series, but oh man this hurts. Keep up the great work.
It’s even worse when all your friends & family give you the bullshit line, “It’ll pass. You’ll be back to normal.”
Yea people who don’t get it and say stuff like that just make it worse
Thanks, Brian. Just… Thanks.
*reads comic*
*closes tab*
*lies down*
*tries not to cry*
*cries a lot*
That feel^
(sigh) Thanks, needed that.
And this moment was made possible because Amy immediately realized that this was not a situation she should handle by herself. Which was another nice touch Brian – I’m sure the temptation to have the girlfriend talk sense into him was strong.
You do the facial emotions extremely well in your characters.
Right here in this one is the most important moment. When you finally see someone sitting there with you, willing to help, then roll your Wisdom save: do you reach out to grab the life line, finally letting out all that pent up emotion and anxiety; or do you let the demons win and punch that ticket?…
…Looks like Sam rolled high.
I have shed tears at this comic. Well done my friend, well done…
Well, this is one of the best arcs I’ve seen out of you yet. Thanks.
Wow. Panel 2 really hit me right in the gut. What a tremendous depiction of a breakthrough moment.
May we all be lucky enough to have a friend like Jeanie when we need one.
I’m involved in community theatre, I work close to full-time, and I’m having mild roommate issues. For about a year, I was going full-tilt without any breaks at all. The day off was rare. I also suffer from paranoia-schizophrenia, and I got the “little buggers” in my head that want me to end it.
I have problems saying “no” to people, too. “Work an extra shift?” Sure. “Can you take the place of this actor?” Not a problem. “I know you’re busy, but wanna watch a video? It’ll only take a second.” Why not?
A full year of this, and my resolve wore down to the point where, last week, I stopped myself from cutting into my wrist… but not before I drew some blood. The will to live was stronger than those voices, but they were winning. Worn down like I was, they almost won.
A couple of days later, I saw the comic where Brett gave Sam that great advice. So that’s what I did. I sat down with someone and explained what was going on, and we both agreed that I have to get my own house in order.
I told my workplace I can’t do extra hours anymore, even if I was the last person called in, I told my theatre troupe that I can’t do any shows for a while, and I explained to my roommate what was going on. Luckily, everyone understood, and everyone, so far, is letting me get back in gear.
I wanna thank you, Brian, for helping me out like that. You don’t know me, I doubt you knew you were helping people like me, but thank you for helping me get the courage to finally say “no” and start getting back in gear.
Thank you for showing the courage to do such an important story arc. Depression is something I have struggled with for most of my teen to adult life. I know this arc comes from a deeply personal place, but it helps everyone when you read something like this and realize you are not alone. Please keep up the great work, and if you are ever in the Vancouver BC area, first drink is on me.
Wow that is… Heavier than I expected
Damn, man, *right in the feels*
Friends.
Sometimes they fit the bill far better than family ever did simply because the choose to be there.
Yikes. I’ve been there.
And you did it again, Mr. Patterson. Well done Sir, well done.
I have been where he is at. That breakdown. It physically hurts when it happens.
Well done capturing that in his expression.
*slow clap that builds in speed*
Brilliant- brave and creative and heartfelt. I don’t typically come to read this comic expecting my heart to be ripped open, but…hits a sensitive spot.
Kudos to you, Brian- the transition into becoming a full-time free-lance artist cannot be an easy one, but you give it your all and it shows in an incredible strip and a grateful fan base.
We’re all very proud of you.
Thank you Brian, you’ve handled this arc wonderfully and this page is beautiful.
I’ve been struggling with depression for a few years now on and off medication, and I think you’ve depicted the struggle well, especially as given the medium and pacing it can be quite difficult to depict it naturally. In my experience it’s really been friends and family who have helped me through it (though meds really really help), there are good days and bad days, these can be caused by the most innocuous things and being a GM like Sam I find that the usual worries can really get to you. Even when all your players seem to really be enjoying the session you think “Are they just pandering to me?”.
For me, I’ve found that both Brett and Janines approaches are useful. Sometimes I really do need a kick in the ass to do something that I’ve been avoiding and it’s been stressing me out, sometimes I just need someone to talk to and to be told everything will be okay.
I also love that this page shows that it’s okay to cry, you don’t have to bottle everything up.
In conclusion of this ramble, Thank you and hugs for all.
Wow
Amazing work MR Patterson .. in 6 cells you reduced me to a dribbling mess.
IF you ever asked or ever ask why you do what you do or if there is any calue in it . .. Let this be one of your defining moments.
6 cells to take people from Dnd mind to dribbling waterworks . . .even my ex gf can;t do that and she kicks me in the <3 every time i see her.
Props Brian.. Takes alot for me to admit but i have been in that place and you reminded me that its ok to be that low just not ok to stay there and that there are always people to help as long as you are brave enough to say the important word. . help
Six? it only took me FOUR. You can actually SEE the facade shattering in Sam’s face in the 4th panel. Well done, Brian.
Once again Jeannie brings the awesome. Thank you Brian for showing the right way to try to help.
On the one hand, this *particular* situation is difficult for me to identify with because I definitely agree with his dad on the topic of TPKs. I’m… my GMing style is probably much more akin to his father’s than to Sam’s, let’s just leave it at that. Getting so worked up over an encounter going south is… is just not in my character.
On the other hand, I’ve suffered with depression for much of the last fifteen years, so while the particular cause of Sam’s current bout is alien to me, the effects are something I can absolutely empathize with. Best of luck, buddy.
The writing for this is really well done. Believable and well paced. Lots of feels from reading it. Thanks Brian for the story.
I’ll be honest in that this strip didn’t connect with me in the way it did others. I still think Jeannie is being an awesome friend, and we’d all be lucky to have someone like her, but I guess my experiences with depression are just very different from what is being portrayed with Sam. I don’t get that deep sink of feeling like crap. I just feel apathetic towards everything, including many of the classic issues with depression. It takes someone pulling my feelings to an extreme (anger, happiness, sadness, etc) to really pull me out of it, and it’s hard to really share emotional pain like what Sam has here when there is none: just sheer, apathetic emptiness.
Sam is an emo princess. Give him a straw. So he can suck it up.
man i really want to meet this community and give you all a hug. something about the people here make me feel at home. Brian. thank you. if you are ever one state west id love to buy you a drink.
I feel really connected to Sam right now, I’ve gone through this phase (going through again) and it really hits home. I have dealt with this thing for ages and honestly my family would be just like Jeanie right now if I had not gotten help like Sam
to all the people in the comments who are expressing that they’re going through a rough patch. No One, Ever, is truly alone. go to a church, go to the police in your town (good cops do exist), go to family you can trust, but if you or someone you know is having issues, and you think they or you might hurt yourself, please take it from a former medic: Get help.
National Suicide Hotline number is 1 (800) 273-8255
24 hours a day 7 days a week.
Be very careful if you call those “Hotlines”. _You_ might think it’s confidential but say the wrong magic words (and they will be _trying_ to get you to say them) and before you know it you will have police knocking on your door, or searching for you – and they _will_ arrest you.
And if they have to look for you, then they WILL tell everyone that you’re mentally unstable, suicidal, and to call the police if you’re spotted.
They do this “for your safety”. Protest and they just say the usual “the law made me do it”. Screw your work or life relationships, screw what little support from the neighbours you had when police car turns up in your driveway, goodbye any credibility you had.
Bet they don’t tell you _that_ part in the adverts.
Or and if you can’t convince the cops everything is a-ok (and heck, why did you just call a emergency _crisis_ phoneline?) then you will be assessed and face a good chance of winding up dosed to the eyeballs in a psych-ward. (or you could bored the s..t out of the interviewers and lie your a.se off to avoid it.
This made me cry a bit, I love your work.
Shit. I’ve said those exact words, and fairly recently. I’m thankful for my super awesome girlfriend for being there when I needed her, as I am there for her when she needs it.
Never be ashamed to ask for help. We all do at some point.
My latest was that the person I thought was my hug person decided that we hadn’t been together for 10 years (that we had been working our arses over) and that they had their own lives, and that I needed to get my own interests.
Speaking as someone who’s fought depression for 5 years, this arc hits pretty personally. Actually, this may be the first time I’ve felt legitimately afraid for a character’s well-being.
Wow. Nicely done. Didn’t see that coming.
The disturbing thing is… I’ve actually said that every time someone’s noticed I’ve entered a period where the depression is beating me into the dirt. Right in the feels, man.
I’m silently nodding in approving contemplation.
We get it drummed into our heads. If you can handle it alone, you’re the strongest.” We get it in video games–if a follower is knocked down, the game continues, but the game only ends when we fall.
In a way, the games lied to us. You’re stronger when you swallow your pride and ask for help.
If you know someone who is hurting, reach out to them. Don’t even worry about knowing what to say. When Joseph Bayly wrote “Scenes From A Hearse,” he had lost three sons…
“Someone came and talked of God’s dealings, of why it happened, of hope beyond the grave. He talked constantly, saying things I knew were true.
I was unmoved, except to wish he’d go away. He finally did.
Another came and sat beside me. He didn’t talk. He didn’t ask leading questions. He just sat beside me for an hour or more, listened when I said something, answered briefly, prayed simply, and left.
I was moved. I was comforted. I hated to see him go.”
Visit. Be there. Just show up. That is how you show you care.
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I know i’m late to this but i just have to say: i don’t get it!
He has not shown any signs of being suicidal. or taking solace in drugs. or cutting. or writing gooey emo slash. he’s not showing signs of clinical depression. just a little regular depression. He hasn’t dropped of the grid , all he said was he could use some time off gming. What’s wrong with that?
Dude, he’s a mess. You can tell just by looking at him that he’s not doing so hot. And by what Brett said, he has a history of problems. “Drugs, cutting and emo”? Those are not the signs of depression.
Panel 2 hit deep in a way I wasn’t expecting
Dude…
I found your comic 2 days ago when looking up some random reference on reddit I didn’t understand. I started at the beginning and was enraptured and have been eating it up. My wife and I recently split… I try to tell folks I’m ok, but this comic just hit me like a freight train. Thank you. I HAVE been withdrawing myself. I have been just sitting here and keeping the world out. My friends call, I make excuses. My buddy who got me back into D&D right when it all happened so I wouldn’t sit alone tries to get me to come to the campaign I say I have plans. I also just realized I haven’t shaved or had a hair cut in two months…
Thank you. Tomorrow I start fixing it all. Tomorrow I come back to life, and I may not have realized the path I was on until right now at this moment at 3 AM.
Coming back to this in 2020 hits hard. Most of my year has felt like that second panel.