taking a break

In which John discusses depression, hope, and why he's taking a break from vlogbrothers for the first time in many years.
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[@heathertaylor16]

No one questioned Hank's duties changing when he was sick and needed his job to be his health. RIght now, let your health be your job. We love you. We will love you quietly through this, and we will love you loudly when you come back.

[@paris4503]

+

[@JoannaVolavka]

+ this

[@MinurielLai]

+

[@second0banana]

+

[@emily_byars]

+

[@catherinecase1142]

This video is such a testament to how adept at lying depression is. From my perspective, it is SO obvious that John’s work is a net positive for the world, but if depression can make him doubt that, no wonder it convinces the rest of us sometimes too. John, I pray this time of quiet allows you to hear the tune without the words soon. We’re so grateful for you and all you do.

[@kevinwells9751]

Yeah mental illness doesn't care about your status or wealth, it will find a way to tear you down

[@Amanda-xb7cf]

+

[@threecatsdancing]

👏👏👏

[@isaackvasager9957]

+

[@sarahgrin]

+++

[@YouTube]

wishing you the best john ❤

[@saltiestsiren]

take care of ur mental health too, youtube

[@hyunsungjung4941]

​@@saltiestsirenlmao

[@AdenMcIsaac]

YT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@TheYeetTeam]

303 likes in 11 days, youtube fell off

[@coleminer5104]

@@TheYeetTeamlet’s keep it that way

[@cluckerino]

Heal well, Internet Dad You know we'll be here when you're ready, whether that's August, or whenever

[@gusberg2147]

“I don’t know if this is helping anyone.” It’s been helping me a lot for the past 15 years. ❤ Take the time you need, John.

[@Poppamunz]

+

[@yayforfood100]

john and hank have been making videos for most of my life. i've been watching them for more than half. helped? yea they've helped. they are both hugely influential in my life

[@maike__-]

+

[@gabedavis3294]

Amen.

[@rmdodsonbills]

I routinely read the comments. I *know* this is helping people. Every video helps someone. Probably a bunch of someones who don't make their own comments but feel the same as the ones who do.

[@matthewharrington9723]

Thanks John Green for all the buckets of clean water you've given me.

[@SaukaKumagae]

+

[@itsjoereed]

+

[@LindaengelustrupBlogspot]

+

[@kakashiwithoutmask]

+ Couldn't agree more. John's words have saved me from dehydration more than once

[@kakashiwithoutmask]

+ Couldn't agree more. John's words have saved me from dehydration more than once

[@susannebrorby5992]

Fill your bucket with clean water and drink long and deep, John. 17 years is a long time in a career, and an ETERNITY for the internet. Your work has brought public awareness to how pervasive, yet treatable TB is in underdeveloped/underserved parts of the world, and so many of us connect deeply with your books. Your candor is refreshing and POSITIVE. I have no doubt that Nerdfighteria will be holding you up and ready to support you no matter what you end up doing.

[@adamaris1760]

+

[@ArnoutRossenaar]

Yes this is true Nerdfighteria is valuable

[@nerdyarlequinz]

Anyone else feel like we were on the beach of that toxic lake and John gave the buckets of water directly to us? Also sandwiches and sunscreen?

[@curlzOdoom]

+

[@RainaRamsay]

100%

[@pluvo1333]

Definitely

[@thearcanamodernau8130]

True. Both Hank and John are like a deposit of clean water in the sewer that is social media

[@neighborofthedevil]

Absolutely, I think there are a lot of people on the Internet (myself included) that are just looking for that nice, cold glass of water amidst this toxic lake. John and Hank have given me enough of those glasses of water over the year to fill a swimming pool.

[@antimonyparanoia]

John, you aren't dumping a bucket of clean water into the toxic lake, you are saving star fish. The number of sea stars that wash ashore may look insurmountable but tossing even one back into the ocean is still saving a life, it matters to that one i hope your break lets you refresh and come back twice as strong, we will all be waiting for you sincerely, one little sea star

[@snowybowietheadventurecollie]

+

[@PotatoChicken-gg1ju]

I second this as another fellow sea star ❤

[@sarahnewton2267]

If I could like this comment a million times I would

[@K8tieR6]

+

[@rhrh8089]

That's so sweet ❤

[@zacotero9243]

As an occupant of a world that almost lost Hank Green, I can verify that the world also desperately needs John Green. So I implore you to take whatever steps you deem necessary to preserve John Green. We'll be here when you get back.

[@villageshaman6932]

An excellent way to put it.

[@ClaymorTerorist]

+

[@yvonneellefson]

The Green brothers need to stick around for the inevitable Nobel Peace Prize they will be awarded.

[@nzbozza]

Oh god I don't need to cry right now

[@woodfur00]

+

[@TheAshleyClements]

I am so grateful anytime someone I admire speaks openly about their mental health struggles. Like so much of John's work, it makes me feel less alone. You are helping others, lighting a path, even by taking a break and prioritizing your mental health. I am equally moved by the compassion and wisdom in the comments. Vlogbrothers raised nerdfighteria right.

[@chai4768]

I love you, John. In a non-parasocial way, in the way I love the books that changed my life. You have changed my way of thinking, my outlook on people, and helped me balance my own personal emotional ecosystem. I've been watching vlogbrothers since middle school, and your voices have been a constant reminder of what is important. The water is not poisonous, it never has been. I hope your rest helps you, I hope it is truly rest. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

[@sharks2571]

Take all the time you need John! Sending love

[@DragonsOfDream]

+

[@anna-karing2053]

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[@littleloezie]

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[@Rkt206]

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[@lynnaschaefer]

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[@JoshGammon]

"Despair is a lie. Hopelessness is a lie." - Thank you, John.

[@Nerdnotwashere]

+

[@DavidPlass]

+

[@themasstermwahahahah]

+

[@LindaengelustrupBlogspot]

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[@Carrie25]

“No simple story can ever be true, and there is no simpler story than ‘nothing means anything.’” 🔥

[@Linda-bq7eq]

I’ve been watching from the shadows all these years. You make me proud to be a human. You give me hope for the future. So many hugs, John. I’ll be watching still. All respect. ❤

[@hayleywatson9136]

Take all the time you need, John. In the river I used to go to as a kid, people would make a ring of stones around an area of shallow water to help that area be warmer. You are not dumping clean water into bad water, you and Hank built an area where the water was better, our own ring of stones in the river. The river keeps flowing, but it doesn't move the stones. Nerdfighteria will be here when you're ready, because we're here.

[@emilytopham5069]

because we're here because we're here. +

[@neweyesable]

+1

[@CircleThinker]

This is absolutely beautiful

[@zolacnomiko]

+++

[@TheVanishedMan1]

This comment said what I was coming to the comments to say but much more elegantly

[@sandhillfarmer1]

“Everything great feels illusory and everything terrible feels utterly true.” - holy cow this resonates. It’s hard to not just accept what seems true

[@kevinwells9751]

I'm lucky to not deal with depression but my wife does and I often feel like my duty is to remind her of the good things and remind her that before long those things will feel real again and that the despair will pass

[@susanlynch1966]

It's uncanny, those are the thoughts that I have regularly, but John expressed them so much better than I could.

[@isaackvasager9957]

+

[@mymusicfixx]

+

[@Enjoyurble]

Real

[@ashlynharrison3170]

Even from the bottom of the well, John is working so hard to give us some clean water. John, take all the time you need. We hope to see you back in August, but we understand that healing is not linear and that may not be enough time for you. You've given so much to this community and the world, and even if your brain won't let you believe it, we'll continue to believe it for you❤🖖

[@troyhuckendubler6397]

Get well soon John. You and your brother are a light in the darkness for me quite often. I hope you find your way to the top of the well in time. That first breath above water will feel glorious.

[@TheDragonOfWhi]

There is a hospital in the world because of John. No matter what depress says; there is one more hospital in the world.

[@rileymurray7437]

John just delivered a concise and damning indictment of depression and meaninglessness before the world, **while suffering through part of his brain feeding him the very same lies from depression.** That’s so fucking metal.

[@laurenmawe3678]

+

[@CappyRed]

🤘

[@shiannelove]

+

[@SwanandPhoenixSong]

Yes! I’ve had depression since being a pre-teen, but didn’t recognize it until I was NINETEEN. 🎓 Found out it was intertwined with anxiety over the next 5 yrs. Started college again and studied from then, on thru the pandemic and then 2 yrs. more. 📖 Now I’m taking a break due to a CVST (stroke) 🧠💥at age 27. ❤‍🩹Today is one yr. later and I’ll be turning 29 next month. 💖Even though I am much improved, there’s still more 💚growing to do. 💛To John (& Hank), I’ve had your videos and books as part of my support system over the last dozen years, and I encourage you 🙏 to take all the time you need, and give yourself the same comfort 🛌that I found from you in my past struggles and continuing growth.🪴🫶🌅

[@shiannelove]

@@SwanandPhoenixSong +

[@michdelish]

John, the things you make are not buckets of clean water in a toxic lake. They are a filter which cleans the polluted air that passes through it and makes it a little bit easier to breathe. Take as long and as frequent breaks as you need to and know we are grateful for you.

[@RainaRamsay]

Yeah, the thing about Vlogbrothers videos is, when I feel stuck on an issue that's in the news or whatever, and I don't know what to think because it's complicated, and I don't know how to resolve this apparently black-and-white figure-ground binary perspective .... usually, the next Tuesday, John has a video that gives me a better way to think about it, that incorporates both sides, and all the complexity, into a perspective that makes it possible to move forward. And then I'm able to take that perspective, and apply it to other things, and de-toxify lots of parts of my life because of that 4 minutes with John.

[@sofialozano2910]

Rest, John. Your work, your thoughts and who you are and represent are a balm and an inspiration to many of us. AND, you don’t have to be or produce or symbolize anything to be worthy. Go rest, and sleep and be with family and friends. We are a grateful for you.

[@calvinball1]

I can't tell you how many times I've told people the good news from Vlogbrothers - Infant mortality has declined over time. - Many people are banding together to cure the world's most deadly disease even though it mostly impacts poor people. - Companies cab be wildly successful even if they are non profit. - Treating people with compassion can be a road to success - It's OK to be silly while doing important work. And some of these things sometimes absolutely change a person's world-view. News and social media absolutely want us to believe that the world only gets worse, and the only thing we can do about it is come back later and get shocked about it again. It's so important to have the reality of good news and community have real voices.

[@Nino-xp5df]

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[@marcusdagostino6208]

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[@rachaelknudsen8801]

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[@zoeolsson5683]

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[@curtishansenmusic]

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[@chashahjohnson]

Here is what I'll say: I didn't get out my depression only because of Vlogbrothers, but your work in particular, John, kept me afloat while I did the extremely difficult work you're doing now and that you've done before. You will make it through this, and I hope come back to us, but if you aren't able to, we will support and love you from afar in whatever ways feel good for you. I'm so so so thankful for the Green brothers, and glad that you're setting a good example for me and all the other mentally ill mofos out there. Take care of yourself above the world.

[@BijickY]

Thank you for this message! ❤

[@missingshoefilms]

+

[@dragonharris5465]

My thoughts exactly!

[@OneTraveller]

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[@jshwagner]

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[@corgicuttie]

Take the time you need. We love you and want a happy, healthy John 😊

[@justinhier4633]

Sending you lots of love and hope, John. Whether or not you're able to internalize it now, the comments here alone are a testament to what you mean to this community and beyond. Take all the time you need. Lean on those closest to you. And come back whenever you're ready - stronger than ever. We'll be here.

[@beziimusic]

"No simple story is true, and there is no simpler story than 'nothing means anything'", I really love that

[@windythepuffin7787]

I had to replay that part, it's so meaningful to me

[@grannypeacock]

All these decades since I've graduated high school and I finally have words to explain why even then I knew that the nihilists who thought they were deep were really just intellectually lazy

[@oliviamcdougall4361]

One thing that helps many of my clients is the mantra “You’ve survived 100% of your bad days.” Please take care, we are rooting for you

[@dustinandrews89019]

Some of them only just...

[@SendaiWolf206]

+

[@ashleygarla1198]

You are cared for so deeply, John. Have a restful July.

[@hedwardd]

As someone who has a long history of depression, you're dead on in describing how everything good seems illusory and everything bad feels certain. The content you and your brother make brings so much joy so many many people. That said, you've already enough and then some. Take all the time you need and do what's best for you

[@himynameisnickolas]

“Even despair eventually exhausts itself” You won’t feel this way forever and when you are ready, we will still be here, ready.

[@sn0wflake]

I wish I could frame this comment. Thank you for saying this.

[@poetryandpurpose]

well put!

[@shiannelove]

+1

[@SwanandPhoenixSong]

+

[@RainaRamsay]

That's a phrase I should get embroidered on a throw pillow

[@Skibbityboo0580]

"Hope sings the tune without words, and never stops...at all" I want to scream this at my brain too, John.

[@Nerdnotwashere]

+

[@sour7lemons]

snaps for Emily Dickinson

[@squirrel5809]

I feel like sometimes it stops though. And those are the times we really need to do the most self care.

[@SwanandPhoenixSong]

+

[@GarnetReign]

+ ❤❤❤

[@Butterinyourear]

When despair comes at me like that, I remind myself that John Green exists. And a world with a John Green in it can never be pointless. I hate depression for doing that to you. Thank you for everything you do, John.

[@adamaris1760]

+

[@loveanie]

💚

[@librigirl]

John, I'm glad you're taking the time you need. If you need more, take more. You are appreciate and valued and your community has your back. Your work has brought so much good into this world. You know how to persevere. Keep on truckin. I'll be holding space and praying for you.

[@linsle]

John, the Anthropocene Reviewed saved my life last year. My two children would thank you if they were old enough to know what was really going on with Mommy. Hearing your voice speak the truths of Sycamore trees, truths that live inside my skull, will continue to be a lifeline for me while I forever feel trapped in the game my mind plays. It tethers me to those small hands in mine and reminds me what the point is. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Those two words will never be enough.

[@flashoftheflood]

+

[@treehuggr089]

Classic John, making me cry at 10am on a Tuesday through sheer earnestness and belief in hope even in the face of hopelessness and despair. Hope isn't a lie; it is a practical tool that we need to get through life. John, your work has helped me be less despairing, and I hope you benefit from a well-deserved break from the Internet. We'll be here when you get back.

[@sys_tem_]

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[@maike__-]

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[@felesnocis]

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[@honestexistence]

Hey John, in the very small possibility that you will see this comment, I love you for the parts of you, including your struggles, that I see in myself. It's not much, but it's yours, along with my hope that you keep walking forward even when you can't feel your legs. Remember there is no "should feel", only what is right now and that it will change.

[@mayrose7116]

I'm so glad you're taking care of yourself. You are NOT worthless; your work is not worthless

[@PictoKat]

I'm a crash course kid. I was homeschooled in high-school and crash course opened up learning pathways to me that still inspire me to this day. I've just graduated from my second masters degree. I will always be indebted to the acts of good you've put into the world and I hope my story can lighten a bit of the load you carry.

[@RemizZ]

John, I know your brain won't let you hear it, but I still have to emphasize that in the last 2 years, you and Hank did more good for this world than ever before. - You brought TB to the forefront of so many of us that had no idea it even still existed - You helped raise millions of dollars to improve the lives of people in Sierra Leone, and don't even think that the lives already saved aren't at least partially your doing, because they are! People who were doomed to die are alive because of you! And no, stop thinking "that was all Hank", because it wasn't! You are a serious force for good in this world and if we had more people like you and Hank, we would live in a better world. I hope you can recover quickly!

[@shiannelove]

+

[@peoforsgren7411]

John, you and other people’s ”clean water” efforts are seen by millions sometimes billions of us. I HOPE you someday get to see the effect when we pitch in and help fix society. Things often seem impossible until they suddenly are not. Rest well.

[@ryenheart6221]

My favorite mantra, which I adapted from something John once said: “May we be justified in our hope and in community through hardship” John, thank you for this reminder, and I wish you lighter days and strength through your present darkness.

[@felesnocis]

I think John is setting a great example of what self care during depression can look like. It’s valuable for us younger nerdfighters to see that.

[@Nino-xp5df]

+

[@ethank5059]

Also there are inevitably going to be ups and downs over a lifetime and Vlogbrothers has been going strong for 17 years. If John or Hank (or both) needs to take a month, or two or three or 12 off for their own health then that's okay. All the nerdfighters that matter would rather have a mentally healthy John than force him to destroy his own happiness for us.

[@K8tieR6]

+

[@erikrick]

Also for us older nerd fighters.

[@yvettevandermolen2455]

We oldsters need it too.

[@quintingell]

part of DFTBA is remembering to love yourself. take your time; we'll be here if/when you decide to return

[@MinurielLai]

+

[@At0micAllison]

DFTB Love Yourself

[@Nino-xp5df]

+

[@snowybowietheadventurecollie]

+ my favorite thing that DFTBA stands for is Dont Forget To Breathe Amigo, sometimes we just need to take time and space to ourselves to breathe. Sometimes we need time to ourselves, breaks to prevent burnout and all that. DFTBA means a lot of things but to me it first and foremost means don't forget to take care of yourself as you have to take care of yourself to be awesome and care for others

[@Nerdnotwashere]

+

[@haleykendall3021]

Thank you John ❤ You're right-- no simple story is true. We're all here because we're here... and some of us are still here because of you and your contributions to our world. Please take all the time you need.

[@RandomPerson8908]

You give us so much. Hearing this from an internet stranger may not help all that much, but you are loved and valued. I hope the time away gives you everything you need it to.

[@relsionnach6540]

In the words of John’s therapist “Everything will end, including this.” That little line from a Vlogbrothers video has stuck with me. Sometimes I say it out loud, sometimes just in my head. But even went I say it with sarcastic intent after a moment I start to feel the reassurance. I hope this month away is good to you John ♥️

[@geeksdo1tbetter]

We won't always feel this way!!!

[@ericvaninwegen6384]

We often say "take care" as another way to say goodbye. But, especially now, John, please take care (with you and for you).

[@LaneV49]

John, your words have given me hope & the courage to ask for help. Thank you.

[@xerk2945]

John, we love you and we'll miss you, but we are always proud when you take time for yourself.

[@shewriteswithstyle]

John, I just got diagnosed with OCD and wanted to share my deepest thanks for taking on the cost of sharing pieces of yourself to help others like me. Sending you love with a new level of empathy and also tremendous pride in you for taking this time away.

[@AndiNewtonian]

Sending you love and support from another person with OCD. (((((HUGS)))))

[@notErid]

+

[@K8tieR6]

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[@curtishansenmusic]

+

[@DragonoftheRust]

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[@PandeeParty]

This is a great reminder that being successful does not magically make your mental health issues go away. Sometimes I tell myself, "Once I reach this one goal, I'll finally be okay." The goalposts just keep moving, though. I'm sure if you told an 18-year-old John Green that he would one day have a successful writing career with one of the best selling books of all time, movies made from his books, a beautiful family, and a long history of incredible charity work, he'd be like, "Wait? What?? That's amazing! Surely that means I'm happy and everything is great." But... the goalposts just keep moving, and they always will. I gotta remind myself that no achievement is suddenly going to turn me into a happy person because life doesn't work that way.

[@ethank5059]

This is very true. Often times the more you want something and the more you fantasize about it the less meaningful it is when you finally get it. Humans are unfortunately hardwired to never really have "enough" and to overemphasize "this is what I wish I had" rather than being content with what they do have or seeing the positives. We're all like this to some extent (negativity bias is very real) but this is amplified by an order of magnitude with depression.

[@ihopethisnameisfree]

Thanks for talking with us from the bottom of the well, John. I hope your time away is healing in all the ways you need. Take your time, take care, and we’ll keep the lights on for you.

[@jacquelineharro7550]

Thank you for modeling honoring your mental health John. We love you and want you to do whatever is best for you! We will be here in August, excited to hear from you 😊

[@tinfang-warble]

John, you probably won't see this, but earlier this month I picked up *The Anthropocene Reviewed* while flying home from a work trip. The other thing I picked up on that trip was COVID, which made me quarantine for 10 days in an Airbnb away from my 5-month old baby and my partner who had, while i was out of commission, surgery to remove cancer. I didn't have energy to do much while I was sick, but in the few hours a day that I was awake, I read your book. Its relentless hopefulness helped me make it through the worst two weeks of my life so far. Take care of yourself, take the time you need, and thank you.

[@nunyabiz-]

Thx for your great comment & best wishes to your entire family! 💛

[@b3ndavies]

Wishing you and yours all the happiness you deserve, friend 💜

[@bethanyfield6035]

Best wishes to you and your family ❤

[@michaelmicek]

Wow

[@ericeilersen]

Spreading a message of hope while you're in the well is selfless on a truly unbelievable level. Take all the time you need, John, You are very, very loved.

[@AmandaComeauCreates]

Literally making me cry listening to him say what he needs to hear himself. We love you John please hang in there

[@logandavis7584]

Take your time John. We will be elated whenever you feel comfortable returning. You and your brother inspire me in so many ways, and I will forever be thankful for you both.

[@geoffzolkos8843]

Your words are a great help to me, John. I can only imagine just how many other people feel the same.

[@Mebb93]

John, I’m not the one to usually comment in videos, but I just wanted you to know that the world is definitely better with you (and all the thing you do) in it! Take as much time as you need! Sending you lots of love from Brazil! 💚💛

[@suchitrasridhar5313]

+1

[@lydiaschneider9489]

+

[@FrostedJr]

l

[@notErid]

+

[@Vincewood90]

The poem about the candle burning at both ends is very pretty and we really do love the light, but we also care about the candle. Thank you for taking the time you need.

[@MinurielLai]

++

[@sofie.h]

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[@rachaelknudsen8801]

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[@emmafoley8987]

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[@curtishansenmusic]

+++

[@Willyazaa]

Love you John, this break is well deserved and I hope there will be reminders of that while you are taking time. If and when you’re ready, we’ll be excited to keep fighting the good fight with you.

[@lionu11]

John Green, I can say with confidence that you have literally saved lives. You owe nothing to us, yet you have given up so much of yourself. I'm sure this comment will only act as a meager drop in the bucket of thousands in support of your wellbeing, but it seems pessimistic to say it doesn't matter. I hope you feel loved, and I hope you can learn to love yourself again. You are a wonder of a human, and you deserve to know it.

[@jadedcatlady]

Oh, John. We love you. You have no idea how many lives you have affected in a positive, helpful, honest way, not only with your wonderful work but also with your willingness to be honest about your mental health and the way your brain lies to you. ❤️💔

[@ahhgrrvated]

Bruh. "It feels like all the nerves are on the outside of my body." This is a mood.

[@Kazemba]

It really is

[@michaelmicek]

+

[@Roseygirl91]

Hey John, I doubt you'll see this since you're on a break, but I needed to tell you that Vlog brothers has made such a difference in my life in such a good way! You have given me hope with my depression and even though I'll probably never meet you, I love you. You are a good man and the kind of human I aspire to. You do what you need to to keep yourself sane. It's all any of us can do. I just wanted to say from the bottom of my heart, Thank you and I love you and be kind to yourself because you are my friend and you deserve happiness.

[@stevenmusante4681]

Suffering from depression for 15 years and it’s great to see such an honest and genuine description of what many of us deal with. The toxicity of the internet will never rival the voice in my head that jumps through hoops to be sympathetic towards others. Your work matters in more ways you could have ever intended or imagined possible on your best days. I hope a few weeks to yourself helps you feel better.

[@nlyddbyd]

In the spirit in which vlogbrothers has been delivered over the past 17 years, where sometimes John and Hank don't know if the work was worth it, it has ALWAYS been worth it. And this video may have been the most effective one of all.

[@marthapasatiempo3672]

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[@Nerdnotwashere]

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[@michaelmicek]

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[@shiannelove]

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[@Pingviinimursu]

A whole month? For yourself? Hell yeah, John! Way to go! Take care of yourself, ok? You deserve love, even (and especially) from yourself. I'm so glad to hear you're taking care of yourself ❤

[@RobsRacingMotoVLOG]

Thank you for all the clean water you’ve given me. And good for you for saying “no thanks”. That in of itself is inspiring.

[@jacquileather1329]

We support you John, take care of yourself 🤎

[@At0micAllison]

John- your contributions to the unsavory waters are like messages in bottles. You are under no obligation to continue writing & sending them forth, but please know that they are so much more than the mere volume they occupy. Your messages are thoughtful and inspiring, and I would wager a guess that they drive others to think and inspire as well. (I know this has been true for me.) Please prioritize the healing of your soul; you deserve happiness and fulfillment. That is all.

[@sys_tem_]

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[@jacforswear18]

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[@maike__-]

Beautifully said! +

[@appleoyellow]

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[@caitlindonovanwest9192]

Wow, fantastically said. +1000

[@amyberger9559]

Thank you for taking care of yourself, John! We love you!

[@jesswince8555]

I don’t have the words to articulate how much I appreciate you talking so openly about your depression.

[@wonderbonni5563]

Your work and videos have always brought light to the darkest places in my life. You always remind me that there is hope and beauty in humanity. I have recently recovered after spending months in hospital for depression. Please know that taking the time to focus on your wellbeing and stability is not selfish, it is a necessity. Continuing to push yourself forward and keep working when you are already at the bottom of the well does nothing but dig a deeper hole. This community loves you John and will support you in whatever you need to do to help your recovery

[@triciac.5078]

Thank you John, for sharing your struggles. Don’t feel bad for taking a break. You deserve it.

[@yourforbiddenfruit]

As a kind professor said to me when I was going through an objectively tough time… “I can’t fix things for you but i wish that I could and if I had a magic wand, I would.” Despair is like water. Some days it laps at your heels and other days, you wade through it at waist height. You go about your day but now you notice when it’s rising. Rising until you get used to keeping your chin up to stop yourself from drowning. I’ve been at the bottom of that ocean too. Take your time John and build your life raft. The tides will change again and there’s calm on the horizon.

[@geeksdo1tbetter]

All tides change!!!!

[@gordonause6956]

1000%. Well said.

[@kashiichan]

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[@rachelhamatake1954]

For what it’s worth, I came to this video simply because I’d been having a very bad day. I asked my husband, “Hey, will you please pull up a John video? I need a pick me up, and he always has something that makes me feel less hopeless.” And this video, with your stated intention to care for yourself, helped me again. Take care.

[@aguerrero]

I'm just a year younger, John, and how you described your state of affairs resonates so strongly, even if we both are (were?) obstinately optimistic that the world (and our lot on it) can and should improve. A big hug.

[@cheids11]

John - take it from me, a random guy in his 30s in Phoenix who’s been following you and Hank for a decade now - your books and everything else you do are the farthest thing from worthless I can imagine. You’ve made an incredible impact on my life and I know a much bigger one on countless others. Wishing you the best.

[@cloakedoblivion22]

We’re here because we’re here! We’re here because we’re here! We’re here because we’re here!

[@laurenmawe3678]

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[@GaraksApprentice]

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[@SwanandPhoenixSong]

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[@Getsimpson]

This brought tears to my eyes. Thank you stranger

[@regi3756]

I just finished reading “Turtles All the Way Down” and I resonated with Aza. Thank you for you! Take care of yourself! Hugs!

[@StrikerX-]

We're here for you John. Thank you for everything that you, Hank, and Nerdfighteria do for people around the world. Loved your Kurtzgesacht video! Best wishes and rest well.

[@avelkm]

John, from a random person in Ukraine who struggles with depression and anxiety for the last 8 years - I love you. You and Hank are two people who inspire me the most and support me in my darkest times. Please rest as long as you need to feel better! You matter, and everything you do makes a world a better place! ❤❤❤

[@shiannelove]

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[@LindaengelustrupBlogspot]

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[@happyguy5165]

God bless you and my thoughts go to you, thank you also for your kind words here 💙

[@sarahprunierlaw9147]

Hope things get better for you too Avelkm!

[@tvcaplan]

Stay safe and courage for your bad days!

[@kaseywahl]

"Everything great feels illusory and everything terrible feels utterly true." John has a way of articulating things that always hits me right where I'm at. Love you John. Take your time. Find your peace. Come back whenever you feel, or enjoy your peace.

[@adamaris1760]

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[@itsbrittneyney]

If I am standing in this toxic lake, and you poured a bucket of clean water near me, for a wonderful moment you will have diluted and cleared away the debris and toxins. You made it possible to see what the lake could be, inspiring me to grab my own bucket.

[@pippadrew2074]

The honesty you share in the midst of so much pain is healing. I hope taking space brings some peace and wellness your way.

[@MysterySteve]

"Despair is a lie" and "Hopelessness is a lie" are probably the four most important words I've heard recently, especially for my own life. What a simple message, yet incredibly profound

[@et_edits]

"it feels like all of my nerves are on the outside of my body" is such a great way of putting words to something i have felt so often i am so gratefull for this phrase. I hope the break helps you John, you have helped me in your announcement of it.

[@user-be8uv9sz5o]

I know for a fact you are inspiring people just by posting this video. You’re helping others feel less alone. Good for you for taking care of yourself.

[@whitelotus33]

we fully support you in taking the break for your health, John! Also please know that your work helps me and so many others so much. In a world full toxicity, you and Hank are like fresh air for me. Please always put yourself first, but know that you matter and the work you've shared with the world has done tremendous good.

[@bcfblack]

Depression says what it will, and so will I: You matter to me. I am grateful to live in a world with you and your work. Your books, the pod, brotherhood 2.0, and the vlog as it stands today have all been great companions to me for the last 17 years. You have cracked me open and held me together when I needed it, and offered me comfort and joy in days of fairweather. Thank you. Thank you. Good luck in July. I hope things improve. We'll be in your corner no matter what.

[@Nerdnotwashere]

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[@marthapasatiempo3672]

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[@albiesspace]

Being public about taking time off is a favor to us all. John, I wish you well and hope you'll see your spark again soon.

[@destinyhomes-gi9yo]

If you only knew how important it is for me to see you hold onto hope so doggedly when i want so badly to believe hope is pointless. Thank you for sharing so honestly with us. It helps. 💯

[@benmatthews3732]

You are awesome, and will never know how you have changed lives, including mine. Please take good care of yourself, whatever that requires. We will be here when you feel like sharing again. 🙏 namaste

[@JohnWilsonComicsGuy]

16 years ago, chronic pain cost me my teaching career and I was forced to medically retire. The lack of daily work did not alleviate the pain. It brought with it a whole host of feelings of depression, worthlessness, a lack of creativity and motivation to create art and writing, feelings of failing as a husband and provider, and a host of others. A decade and 1/2 later, those feelings are still there, but I have learned to "live with them." They don't rule my life as much as grumble in the background. Take all the time you need, John. Your mental health is more important than a four-minute video. We'll wait and you definitely deserve the time off.

[@samanthaw.861]

It’s okay to not be okay, John. Big hugs ❤️

[@Nerdnotwashere]

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[@SerenityKilaira97]

Summer always felt spiritual to me because it's so hot and still. The leaves stay green. The haze stays stagnant. Even thunderstorms only bring a brief reprieve of the day by day heat that keeps one from doing much of anything. This is when I think we really slow down and reflect on a lot. Fall is busy, winter is busy, Spring is busy. But that time between the 4th of July and the school Calendar is very different. I find this is when I can really process everything that has happened the past year. Both good and bad. I really hope this time helps you process everything too, John. We love you. We all need that mental break sometimes. Good luck.

[@colehowe]

Not sure where you’re living at, but I’m 25 and finished school this past year and moved down from Michigan to Florida. Seasonal depression is a serious thing that I didn’t realize was such a factor until I made it to Orlando for a year. Sounds like you’re still in school, but just want to highlight that the seasonal changes are fr.

[@heyitsmemarie7991]

We love you John. You matter so much to so many. Thank you for the beautiful words you’ve given us over the years, and in the midst of your difficult time now. We’ll be here for you when you’re ready, take all the time you need.