Zen Pencils by Gavin Aung Than for January 20, 2014

This is a great one!

A shorter version, which fits more easily on a t-shirt is: “Get over yourself.”

This one is almost bad enough to make me consider dropping this strip.[]A lot of people who are that far down are mentally ill. Telling them to just “cheer up” or “just get over themselves” is only going to make matters worse. []These people need patience to a certain degree, and perhaps even professional medical assistance.

@Darren,

If a comic strip offends you so much – drop the stip, dude.

I read it because even if I have an undaignoised mental illness, a bit of encouragement has the placebo effect to make a small difference. Sometimes that small difference is enough to assist me in getting through the day.

Anyone who makes positive vives in this world should be praised, not unsupported because they aren’t perfect. Karma.

This is great stuff—probably one of my favorites to date.

Context is important with this one. Actor Stephen Fry has been very public about his own mental illness and suicide attempts.

http://www.theguardian.com/culture/2013/jun/05/stephen-fry-attempted-suicide-bipolar

@Darren, no comic strip is appropriate for everyone. some people need medical help. Some people (like me) need the occasional kick in the pants. Some people need a kick in the pants to get medical help. Take what you can use and leave the rest.

Hi Gavin. I appreciate, in this strip: 1) the way your colors gradually shift > warmer tones as the man takes on a more positive attitude 2) the upbeat ending, 3) names and titles for people who want to go deeper with these authors, 4) That you do leave it uncertain (yet hopeful) whether the fellow will stick with his exercise program, and will turn a new leaf. And, in balance, also, there those with mental illness, & neurological chemical imbalances, who do do much better with medication. Exercise and postiive “Carpe Diem!” attitude can go a LONG way toward overcoming depression and ‘living in the past’ (or in the future!) So, Bravo, G., for addressing these things, in a medium known for its superficiality!!

PS, Gavin, you need to have more variation / variety with the female characters — the moms, wives, ex’s, possible girfriends. They all seem to be perky, freckle faced, red haired slender women (or girls). Variety’s the spice of life!

This has quickly become one of my favorite comics.It has made me smile, made me think, and in general made each day I read a new strip a little better.Thank you, Gavin!

Interesting timing. I’ve been wallowing in self pity all night. and it is bloody hard not too. But maybe, maybe I will give it a try…

I love Stephen FRy but even he has admitted to seriously considering suicide even recently

this is one of my favorite zen pencil strips

I agree, this is a good one.