31 Comments
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Alexandra Mountford's avatar

What an honour it is to hear your story Kate. Your strength, courage and perseverance touched my heart and is an inspiration. May peace be with you, and thank you. And may your soul continue to shine in this world through everything you do and all that you are. You are a gift and a blessing to us all. Much Love xx

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Shoshana Chazan's avatar

Thank you for sharing your story. While my mental illness isn't as severe as yours, I have a late diagnosed ADHD (and 50 years of life experiences that now make so much more sense) and I appreciate the message that I am not my diagnoses. Wishing you a day as well.

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An Acupuncturist Obsession's avatar

Kambo is a tribal practice that is misunderstood. Then there is Auricular therapy which help with symptoms. So glad you are recovering.

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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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