31 Comments
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Joan's avatar

Thank you for this summary introduction. Nice job!

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Kate Speer's avatar

Thank you, Joan! ox

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Shannon Goodhue's avatar

Needed this reminder from Dr. Waffle tonight! Thank you for sharing your story for us, I can’t imagine how hard it must be to put yourself out there over and over, but from the bottom of my heart, thank you ❤️ sending so much love and snugs 💜

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Kate Speer's avatar

Waffle reminders for the win always! and though it is undoubtedly exhausting, it is also such an honor. So it's a both. My hope is also that this podcast can be a lasting resource, at least for a while -- a place to point people without having to tell it over and over hahaha. xoxo

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Christopher Mutty's avatar

Needed this, thanks Kate! We are not our diagnoses!

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Kate Speer's avatar

LOVE YOU CHRIS!!! and AMEN!!!

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CC's avatar

So good to hear your story all in one place. I am in awe if what you are doing for us. Can't thank you enough 💜 💜💜

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Kate Speer's avatar

So grateful to have you here, CC 💜 💜💜

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Carolyn Walker's avatar

Words cannot begin to express how grateful I am for your courage and tenacity. 💜❤️💜❤️

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Kate Speer's avatar

Thank you. So grateful for you and this incredible space. 💜💜💜

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Laura (Parker) Weaver's avatar

Thank you so so much for your heart, mind, and story 💜💜💜

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Kate Speer's avatar

Thank you, Laura 💜💜💜

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Shannon Goodhue's avatar

You are an absolute GD WARRIOR and HERO to hear your story again and all together in one place like this is just so eye opening how hard you’ve fought, so so so happy you’re here with us today and are so brave to be so open. Just THANK YOU KATE. So much love 💜

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Kate Speer's avatar

Thank you, Shannon 💜💜💜 So much.

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Elaine Ellis Thomas's avatar

This is such a good intro to you, Kate. Thanks for pushing through to make it - that could not have been easy.

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Kate Speer's avatar

Thank you, Elaine!! and it definitely kicked my booty a bit hahahha. Glad I did it though -- and so grateful that you listened and are still here with me 💜💜💜

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Sonny Song's avatar

We are not our diagnoses 🫶🏻

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Kate Speer's avatar

Louder for people in the back! 💜💜💜 xoxo

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Jess's avatar

Thank you so much for sharing your story and thank you for still being here ❤️ I tutor a boy who has autism and ADHD and your explanation of what you experienced in school really helped me to understand him. His family are against medication sadly… I think it could help him so much. He also has mood swings and shows signs of OCD. I just wish I could help him more!

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Kate Speer's avatar

You are there and that is an incredible thing. There is of course so much power in wanting to help more. AND you are already doing such great work. Hope you can give yourself credit for that too. xoxo 💜💜💜

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Jess's avatar

Thank you so much for your kind words Kate xoxo ❤️❤️❤️❤️

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Colleen Burns Durda's avatar

Thank you for sharing your story and being a testament to the power of individual tenacity. The generosity you’ve shown in bringing the entirety of your experience to this community is truly inspiring. I am a newcomer to your journey but have been living my own experience with mental illness for thirty-five years. I feel honored and privileged to hear what you’ve been through and transcended. Peace and joy to you, Kate.

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Janet Hoffman's avatar

Just finished listening!! I do not struggle with mental illness but I follow you because I believe in this platform and your advocacy. I began following you because of the dog connection but my support for you has transformed. I believe you are doing what you were meant to do!! You are a brilliant human who is such an asset to this space. I am grateful for you and you are certainly Enough ❤️💜

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Yuko Taniguchi's avatar

Your life story is truly amazing as well as the way you spoke. Thank you for your courage.

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CloudyWithAChanceOfAwesome's avatar

It felt like coming home when I found this. I really think I belong here

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Kate Speer's avatar

This note. holy wow. Thank you so much for it. I have no idea how I turned off all Substack notifications but I clearly did because I missed this. So -- truly -- my sincerest apologies for the delay here AND most importantly,

I AM SO GRATEFUL THAT YOU ARE HERE WITH ME.

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Janel's avatar

This was absolutely devastating and redemptive. Thank you for sharing your journey this far. I listened in segments on my way back and forth from work

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Ann Elizabeth Kay's avatar

Thank you, thank you for sharing your incredible story! I have had so many similar experiences… the similarities had my jaw dropped through your whole story. I am so glad that you have such grit, resilience, and a beautiful perspective that have carried you through your many trying times. You are truly making your pain not be in vain by sharing and helping so many ppl. Thank you for your vulnerability and authenticity! You are very special!

Sincerely, Ann Elizabeth

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