Early Book Review: Everything Is OK by Debbie Tung

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.