Give Me Space but Don't Go Far: My Unlikely Friendship with Anxiety

by Haley Weaver

A tender, funny, illustrated memoir about anxiety and self-acceptance from the artist behind @haleydrewthis

Anxiety has been glued to Haley Weaver’s side since she was a child. Like most people, Weaver saw the constant what-ifs and worst-case scenarios that Anxiety whispered in her ear as an obstacle to her happiness. Maybe she could dump her anxiety at her therapist’s office, or send it on a trip far, far away—anything to get rid of it for good. But over time she realized anxiety’s true to keep her safe. Could she learn to let it do its job but also figure out how to live without constant worry and fear?
This full-color, illustrated memoir stars Haley and Anxiety (as themselves) and showcases their complicated but ultimately uplifting relationship. It also introduces readers to the helpful (and not-so-helpful) coping mechanisms Haley relies on to soften the edges of her mental health issues. There’s the Distractor, who wears a bright red boa and encourages Haley to avoid uncomfortable feelings by scrolling the Internet, the Liar, who teaches Haley the pillars of a good fib in order to survive at the middle school lunch table, and even the Partier, who gives Haley a social life in college but also lands her in the ER. From detailing her first unsupervised birthday party as a preteen to exploring the overwhelming life transitions as an adult, Give Me Space but Don’t Go Far brings to life the pivotal moments of Haley’s life and illuminates the lesson she’s With care, practice, and sound strategies, we can learn to coexist with our anxiety—and maybe even love it.

Genres: Graphic Novels, Nonfiction, Memoir, Mental Health, Comics, Self Help, Psychology

336 pages, Paperback

Published April 16, 2024

Reviews

[Haley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wrote this and I hope you love it 🥹

[Ezra Letson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Second mental-health-read for mental health month! I hadn’t realized this was a graphic novel when I placed it on hold at the library, but I was pleasantly surprised by the fun art style and the creative, clever ways in which the author depicted her experiences with anxiety.

[Colleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm so happy I discovered this book when I stumbled upon @haleydrewthis on Instagram.

While it has become more commonplace for people to talk or write about their anxiety over the last decade, I feel like Haley pursued this on a deeper level than I have seen in graphic novel form.

Beyond the general theme of anxiety, I felt seen by Haley's similarly fraught college experience and feelings of shame surrounding the past. When I read about her experiences, I noticed that I didn't think about her or her decision-making the same way I think about my own at the time, which I hope will empower me to better process this learning curve in my life

[Gillian Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

youch

[Claire Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the writing and illustrations, which were a perfect balance of emotional, sweet, and funny. It’s was very similar to Inside Out, for your 20s!

[Laurie · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Soon the sky would be a single shade of navy, studded with stars and a sliver of moon. And then it'd be something else: stark midnight, light pink dawn, wet gray afternoon. The sun would come and go. Change was constant, never-ending. I could be both scared of it and grateful for it. And I was. At least, I would try to be. That was all I knew for sure.”

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

a relatable, honest, and charming illustrated memoir. i love how she depicts her coping mechanisms as characters in her life.

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

There seems to be a whole sub genre of graphic novel biographies that could be summarized as “privileged White grrl haz a sad and gets therapy: a memoir.” Yet, instead of reading the autobiographies I currently have on my coffee table about Chinese internment camp survivors and Ukrainians dealing with an invasion by Russia, I picked up this one. (Much more relatable, I suppose!) Trauma isn’t necessarily a military invasion, we can mess ourselves up royally by trying to hard to fit in and by boxing up our feelings leftover from middle school. As someone who also struggles with anxiety, I appreciated that the ultimate lesson of this book is that our anxiety comes from a place of caring about ourselves and wanting things to go well for us because we want to be safe. It’s a great reminder that something that can be debilitating is actually a survival mechanism and part of self-love. 🤷‍♀️

[Becca · Rating 5 out of 5]

My heart was so full when I finished this book. It is honest and vulnerable — in a way that few of us are with even ourselves, let alone the rest of the world. It is sprinkled with moments that will make you smile, chuckle, and maybe even laugh out loud. As a fellow anxiety sufferer (and millennial), I saw myself in many of Haley’s experiences and teared up while reading the stories I related to the most. If you too struggle with anxiety, you’ll come away with hope for brighter days, and a reminder that you’re not alone. Just read it already.

P.S. I should add that while I do know Haley personally, she did not ask me to read the book or write this review. Opinions are my own. That said, I am cheering her on. :)

[Pila · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fun read <3

[Jack Serio · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is such an adorable book that I would’ve loved to have in the throes of my deepest anxiety.

This was such a quick, quirky read that felt unique and fun despite the heavier topics. I LOVED all the drawings and little doodles and it all felt fresh and not gimmicky or annoying (which is a huge feat). If anything the drawing portions were so strong that I sometimes found myself rushing through the written portions to get to the next drawing because they were just so captivating.

This book definitely errs on the lighter side of things as opposed to being the most raw depressing thing in the world, but I think that was necessary for the message and gave this book a strong point of view.

[Jenna · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 ⭐️
Wow, this was amazing!!! I stumbled upon this while at Barnes & Noble and took a picture to look more into it later. I am so glad I did. This book (an illustrated memoir!!) made me feel seen, heard, and like I wasn’t alone in my own journey with anxiety/panic attacks/therapy. I enjoyed the powerful message of beginning to embrace your anxiety as something trying to keep you safe rather than trying to get rid of it completely- still working on that one! I laughed, teared up, and felt like I was getting a comforting hug from the drawings and words within. Love, love, love! 🩷

[Breanne McFall · Rating 5 out of 5]

5/5 stars hands down!! This was an incredible read, from the depictions of all the coping mechanisms and their unique personalities to the illustrations and storytelling - I loved every page. The illustrations were SO detailed and perfect, and the story felt personal and sort of nostalgic (??) as a gal who deals with anxiety now and also dealt with it as an anxious child. This book has my heart!!

[Zuz reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 rounded up

Touching, heart-felt, vulnerable memoir with Haley's distinctive charming illustrations. An honest and deeply personal depiction of a life lived with anxiety. A beautiful empathy inducing read. If you enjoy Haley's art on social media you will enjoy this.

[Michael Perez · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really great description of what living with anxiety feels like, with funny yet clear art that depicts the different coping mechanics that one tries to deal with it. I had a lot of fun reading this. It's very relatable.

[Julia Delucchi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve never related to a book more in my life.

Overall, depicting anxiety in the author’s life with their real scenarios and illustrations made it so interesting and easy to read.

Personally, I’ve never felt more seen (I’ll also give a long review for my like 8 friends on here). I stumbled upon this book after a day of dealing and talking about my anxiety a lot. I liked the cover, the fact it had illustrations, and that it was written by a woman. That’s all I knew, and I bought it. I get home and start reading only to find out right away it’s starting with a 24 year old woman moving to Seattle only knowing one person there😳

I’M SORRY WHAT?! LIKE ME?!!!?!?

I keep reading and the similarities are insane: oldest sibling, competitive athlete, college athlete at a small school, sports performance anxiety, lying to cope as a child/teenager, turning back to the sport once moving to Seattle to release stress, AND even more oddly specific ones like having a best friend named Syd, going to the Ale House which I live right by and this underlying fear about “The Big One”.

I was shocked reading this book and the message and the coping mechanisms and the solution that’s not a solution made so much sense to me. I feel like if someone deals with anxiety in any form, you’ll find stuff to relate to in this book, and still learn from her other moments. Maybe it won’t be as scary similar and feeling like the Joan Is Awful episode of Black Mirror for others, but I was beautifully surprised by this book.

I will reread it, I will share it, and I will treasure it. Call it fate or whatever it was, but finding this book was what I needed to help me get through the big dark this season. Thank you Haley💗

[Destiny · Rating 5 out of 5]

I feel seen. I loved Haley’s depictions of her anxiety and various coping mechanisms throughout her life.

Highly recommend for anyone with anxiety or anyone who loves someone with anxiety (which is almost everyone).

[Chloe Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an easy and fun way to approach difficult topics! I’ve followed this artist over the years on Insta and can’t wait for future books!

[nicole :) · Rating 5 out of 5]

“I knew anxiety’s constant worrying stemmed from a deeply rooted desire to keep me secure. Alive. Okay. Better than okay, really.”

I’ve never thought about anxiety from this perspective before. this book is an easy read and extremely relatable if you have your own lil ball of anxiety too 🫶

[Megan Knox · Rating 5 out of 5]

Haley managed to thread the fine line between lighthearted fun and intense vulnerability - in opening up about herself, she teaches us all something about ourselves as well. Truly delighted at every page :) Bravo, Haley!

[Beth Knipper · Rating 5 out of 5]

I needed this about 30 years ago...

[brianna ☁️ · Rating 4 out of 5]

love the way this book concludes. i hope someday i can think of my anxiety the same way as the author does hers.

[Kat (wanderfulbooks) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Illustrations: 5/5
Prose: 3/5
The story:4/5

[amelia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is like a retelling of my life. Thank you Haley this is beautiful and helpful and silly and fun

[Haley]

DNF @ 18%/60pgs

Just don’t see myself picking this up again. I did enjoy the pages I got through though :)

[Valentina Kukaj · Rating 5 out of 5]

5/5 Best GN ever. Laughed and cried while reading, I already want to read again. I related so hardddddddd

[Claire Mistretta · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this, like so so much!

[Casey Noller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easiest five stars I’ve given all year. I’ll be returning to this incredibly insightful work of art-literature again and again!

[Jenna Wilkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Honest, vulnerable, and fun— Haley draws an entertaining and insightful portrait of what living and coping with anxiety is like.

[Sarah Zoch · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so great!! If you have anxiety, this is definitely relatable but also well explained for anyone who maybe doesn’t struggle with anxiety. The drawings are my favorite part! They’re so cute and keep the overall story going :)