Hang in there. Delays or not, the end product is worth waiting for.

after reading this I wanted to start singing nearer my god to thee
but I wont
hang in there, we understand

Spoony, as somebody who has struggled with depression for over ten years, just know that you are not alone.  Believe it or not, your reviews have actually been a key in helping me combat said depression.  I hope that you have a long and prosperous career and life ahead of you. Just know that whatever happens in the future, I’ll stick beside you as a loyal fan.  Rock on, bro!

Health takes precedent over EVERYTHING Spoony. Anyone who bitches about it should really get a grasp on life. Glad to hear you’re on the road to recovery, and I can’t wait to see what you have in store in the remainer of 2011 and upcoming in 2012.

As far as video releases go. As long as I have an idea when things will be out, i’m happy.

Hang in there, Spoony! I’m crossing my fingers for your well-being and will patiently wait for your videos, no matter how long they take to complete.

Take your time, that is all that can be reasonably asked for. Being a fan is more then liking a video and leaving it be at that. But rather, someone that understands when to be there as well and to be patient and to be there to support.  Especially for free entertainment that is consistently funny which is a pretty difficult thing to do in any aspect of comedy. Best of luck with the medication, as anyone that’s been through that will attest to it being a journey of always looking forward and getting back up when you trip and slide, for after all a person is most admired when they aren’t doing well but rather that they keep getting back up.

Don’t worry Noah, were all behind you 100%.
Hope all goes well, and that you can continue doing what you love to do.
Good luck.

I send my best wishes to you spoony, as someone who deals with depression i want you to know you are not alone. Take time, get better, and keep being the awesome person you are. 

Don’t worry about it man. Get better :D

Hey man. At first, excuse my bad english, Iam from germany and my english is quite bad. But Iam a huge fan and just want to tell you the same clichés that the most people will tell you, that doesnt make them any more true.
Take all the freaking time you need.
And I mean all.
Were happy for every single bit of entertaimnent you can deliever us and very thankfull. I personally watched every single bit of video on this site (with exception of the Wrestling Videos) and had/have a great time here.
It doesnt even really matter for me if youre doing Vlogs like Countermonkey or giving your opinion about stuff or far fetched videos and reviews. We just like to share your thoughts.
We are really happy for everything you gave us and let us be a part of. And for this countless hours I “wasted” here, I owe you more then I would be ever able to pay you back.
So even if I like that youre saying you owe us an explanation, in fact you dont. We owe you a lot.
Just take every Day, Week , Month or Year you need. And give us more of your hate and love about stuff as soon as youre ready.
Wish you a “quick” recovering as far as it possible, and everything good I can imagine.
Get Well from Germany ;)

Stay strong! Even the greatest people have struggled with depression. Winston Churchill rather famously fought with the “black dog” of depression all his life. I’m glad to hear you’ve gotten some medical attention, hopefully they can figure out which medications work best for you and help you get back to feeling normal. God bless!

Dude, get better first, entertain us later. We will keep watching older videos to keep the revenue up for you, be sure of that.

Depression sucks, I’m in the same place as you are right now, except I did not get professional help yet.

Keep up the spirit man. And remember: The Interwebs love you! Get well.

Your health (both physical and mental) is the important thing. Please don’t feel obligated to push yourself too hard on our account. We’d hate to think we were in any way making you feel worse.

Depression can be very serious. Get better, man, however long it takes. The internet will still be here when you are ready.

I hope you feel groovier soon, comrade :0)

Spoony I feel you, all of your followers feel you. You gave us so much. A smile and a laugh which is rare in today’s society. You will get better and when that comes you gonna make us LOL all days long. :) Also cheers from Poland! 

Abraxus Morus

PS- Thanks for the explanation for the delays

Get better.

dude fuck the reviews just make more Counter Monkeys videos!!!!!!

I know what that’s like, I’ve been having the same problems and am to start seeing a therapist soon, so I don’t blame you for not being able to find the motivation to produce videos. I hope things get better and you get to do what you love again

I’m glad you finally put an explanation on your website in regards of slow production. This is better then any video you could put out because I don’t think your a douche anymore. Although you could have told us earlier so that people wouldn’t be as critical in your production rate.
I hope you get better Spoony and I will continue to stay tuned.

Get well soon man.

I don’t know why people feel entitled toward someone’s free productions.

Spoony take your time with your videos because your health has the top priority

I know this situation you’re going through and it is fuckin tough way At least for me but I’m sure you can handle this and it will take time but thats normal
I’m really happy that all the fans who commented show so much understanding for you :D
Even if some days can be really tough I know you can do this 

We are all with you dood!

You are a warrior Spoony, you can do this.
Take your time and get better. Your loyal fans will be waiting for you!
Best wishes from Austria :)

Don’t worry about it Spoony, everyone here is willing to wait for you to get better. Like a lot of
other people have, I’ve gone through depression and anxiety pretty bad
and it nearly derailed my whole future and plans while at college.

I know all too well what its like to play medication roulette/musical
chairs and how much of an emotional disaster and roller coaster it can
be. I had to go through so much for little if any improvement, and my
doctor really is pretty good, but nothing seemed to work. I have always
been a bit of an oddball when it comes to medication, and health
situations and this was no exception. I always try to do my own homework
on the drugs I’m given, and scouring the internet for any possible hope
of recovery. When you’re miserable, you get desperate enough to do nearly anything just to get better.

All was going nowhere, until one day I had talked with a good friend about it and came across a lead that actually went somewhere: I have ADHD. It seemed silly in hindsight because it was always been thrown around our circle of friends that I had ADHD or something, but ADHD cause anxiety and depression. While ADHD does not always cause these two other conditions to happen, they do pop up from time to time, and for me they were pretty serious when it did happen. I used to get pretty bad panic/anxiety attacks, and the times i had been depressed were bad enough that I couldn’t really function in school or have any energy or motivation to do anything.

When i told my doctor that I wanted to explore this possibility and I finally started taking medications for ADHD, it really seemed to help! Though the medication roulette was a bit more annoying with the side effects, when I had finally suggested trying Adderall (not the XR version, just regular) because that was what my friend takes and it worked very well for him, I had finally found something that worked.

While my story was a journey that took a total of almost a full year of trying stuff to find my final diagnosis and medication that worked, and it is a bit tangential, I just wanted to say that sometimes what you find to be the problem and the final conclusion to get things in order may not always be the obvious thing. Many mental issues can have Anxiety AND Depression as symptoms, so I just wanted to put myself out there and help others in any way that I can. If nothing else is to be gained from my story, I guess I’d just say that its worth looking into other conditions with your doctor/doctors.

Like everyone else, I completely understand the sudden slow down in video production and I’d wait as long as it takes for you to get better! Anyone who gets all pissed off or upset that they don’t have a new video to watch just needs to take a step back and understand that sometimes life and other situations happen and the people who spend their time and effort making the things they enjoy need to handle their personal life before they can provide things for your enjoyment!

Its better for you to be healthy and able to work to the best of your ability than to work while you’re sick or not at your best. So anything you put out is worth the wait! Everything you’ve put out recently has been great and I CAN wait until the next thing comes out. :) And now you probably deserve an award for finishing my message that is almost as long as your post!

That really does not sound very good, Spoony! Please do all your fans the favor and get well first. I know, that you need the videos to get money to eat, but that should be the only other thing to bother you. Get well first…

I just realize something: Won’t you earn money, when your fans (that includes me ;)) start watching your old videos again? So at least your “money for food” problem would be solved a little bit, wouldn’t it? A donation should also help.

Spoony! make sure you’re taking care of yourself, you’re health should be top priority!  Don’t push yourself too hard with the videos, we all want Spoony but accept the fact that you’re not in tip top shape. So get better and come back in full force!

I’m new to your website, but I’ve been enjoying it so far, and I hope you begin to feel better!

Spoony, I check this site every day, sometimes multiple times a day, just to check if you’ve posted a new video. When you have, I will watch it, and often laugh. Depends of course if it’s supposed to be laughed at or not. Out of all the people on That Guy With the Glasses that I follow, you are, without competition, #1 on my list. I LOVED your SWAT4s and Phantasmagorias and Rippers and whatnot. The quality of your videos? It’s been the same good! I don’t think it’s fallen down. Not at all.

I just want you to know, that we’ll be waiting for your videos, and when they come, we’ll watch them. Then some people go on the forums. And make a thread about that video. And then people discuss that video. Then new people find out about your videos. Then they fall in love with them. Then they too go and buy a “You’re in my way, sir!”-shirt and it might become their favourite shirt too.

Just saying.

Skyrim comes first.

Hang in there boss

Textbook depression, eh?  Well I’ve been there and there’s nothing textbook about any of it.  Hell, it’s good for you that you had the foresight to get diagnosed rather than be sent to do so because you tried to attack someone.

While you may be on a tightrope considering your line of work, it’s best if you don’t rush whatever can help alleviate your ails.  Never ends well.  Anyway, as a guy who did break free of the soul crushing malady, Asclepius be with you.

As i have always seen it, you Spoony and the rest of the internet critic community are offering free entertainment that in many ways are far more entertaining than any tv show i watch. It’s a real treat when i see a new video up.

Maybe part of the allure is that it seems doable for myself, like if I tried really hard to put something together I could come out with my own kind of similar product but with my creativity behind it. I don’t want anybody to think that I’m saying it’s easy, on the contrary. But having watched your Vlogs and off the cuff reviews, it makes you feel that much more real of a person, rather than just watching actors in a film or tv show. Since my passion for video hasn’t had an outlet, and seeing you do what you do, it just feels that much more attainable.

I just wanted to say for myself, thank you for the countless hours of entertainment, and i patiently look forward to what you come up with next.

Hey man, hope you get better. You’re awesome and we will wait for you to get better.
Best wishes from your fans from Brazil.

Spoony, you owe me nothing.  Infact, I went through a similar doward spiral 2 years ago, and it lasted until October of last year.  I found myself unemployed for seven months after the economy took a nose dive, and when I finally DID get work, it was working nights and weekends as a security guard making 8 bucks an hour.  I never saw family or friends, and I never got to even talk to co-workers.  Being locked up in a small box for 8.5 hours at night, only to go home to an empty house with nobody to talk to, it’s similar to being thrown into “the hole” in prison.  The solitude and darkness soon took a serious toll on my mental well-being after a month in, and I found myself having fits of anger and bad depression trips, sometimes having to lock myself somewhere where nobody could see me, and cry my eyes out.

Last October I finally got a decent job working as a gas mechanic, I got the best paycheck I ever had in my life, but even more importantly, I got my days and weekends back.  I was seeing the sun again, and having regular contact with human beings again.  A few months later, they put me back on nights, and during that time I had a bit of a downer feeling again, but not as stong as before since I always worked with someone and could see people on the weekends.  But that darkness just does something to me over long periods of time.  Thankfully, I’m back on days now, and things are looking much better for me.

Spoony, you, and the other members of Channel Awesome helped me get through that dark lonely period of my life.  When I was locked alone in the dark by myself, I could remember your funny videos and laugh, which REALLY helped me get through the day.  Trust me, I owe you BIG for that.

I remember you saying you work nocturnally, if you are anything like me, that will fuck with your head if you do it long enough.  Granted, I understand you have to balance this out with your brother’s schedule, but my advice would be to try and see if you have other options regarding when you choose to work.  Is it possible to room with someone else?  I’m just spitballing here.

Peace, brotha.  I hope you find the peace you seek.

you are revered and admired. hope you get better. i love Counter Monkey segments. Your years in front of and behind the camera (mixed with your expressive diction) create a great storyteller. :D

     Noah, I’ve had depression for over 13 years. Almost the entirety of my adult life. I’ve been to counseling, I’ve seen doctors. I’ve seen many MANY people take the drug cocktails for depression. They always work for awhile and then they just seem to stop after your body gets used to them. It doesn’t matter which ones you use, whether it be Abilify or any anti-depressants they will eventually lose their strength.

     I have been depression free for almost a year. My secret wasn’t medicine. You see, I had been dealing with some serious problems in my life: death threats, hacked accounts, and my own illnesses. Eventually everything came to a head and I had to start rebuilding my entire life. I worked a very physical job, where at the end of the day, even if I was underpaid I had the knowledge that I was at least just a little bit stronger than the day before. I also started drinking… alot. More than I ever drank in college. At first I just did it to humor my friends and spend time with them, but I found that while slightly buzzed I gained a slight bit of confidence. Even though I knew that the confidence was artificial it didn’t seem that way to those around me. I eventually started making A LOT of friends (and actually being in demand sexually) and that fake confidence I had gained by drinking and the temporary “I don’t give a fuck” attitude eventually led to real confidence. Once I had that, my depression evaporated. I don’t believe depression can be 100% removed with medicine. The best way to remove depression is to remove the cause. I’m not going to be preachy here and tell you what you should or should not do. But what I will tell you is that I really feel for you. 
     Very few people see beyond the entertainer. I am an actor, and right now my career is picking up (Not surprisingly corresponding with the disappearance of my depression.) A few months ago I had a paid gig for a drunk driving PSA and my first IMDB and SAG credit. Actors have to remain upbeat and able to portray many kinds of moods (whether or not they feel like it.) NOBODY will ask you how you are actually feeling and EVERYONE will criticize you.

I hate seeing someone suffer in this way, being able to scream, but knowing you can never yell loud enough. If you are ever in Rhode Island, I’ll buy you a round and try and get you laid. Sometimes those simple things are just enough to do it.

(And for the record, I LOVE the counter-monkey stories… I’ve got a Rifts one about using techno-wizards as projectiles… maybe another time.)

Dude. I really hope that you get better. I haven’t been the best of fans, in that I would only visit the site maybe once or twice a month but I’ve noticed that your schedule has been a bit messed up and I figured that you had a lot on your plate, but I didn’t know it was this severe.

If push comes to shove and I’m really sad to bring this up but if things get worse, maybe you should stop with TSE for a bit? Remember that your health is what comes first, period. I’m glad that you have a dog that seems to love you to death (my youngest akita Tenten acts almost exactly like Oreo, lol) and I’m sure that you have the support of your family and I know that if you went on hiatus, we would miss you a lot but in the end, it’s what is best for you.

Thanks for giving us an update as to what is going on with you. Have you tried changing your diet a bit? My sis had a TON of problems when she was living in the states (coming from the Caribbean, our food isn’t as…for lack of a better word, processed as in the states) and when she came back to live, my mother put her on a kind of diet, wherein she would just detox a little, and not eat so much meat. Unfortunately, I was put on this as well, but it’s not the worst thing in the world lol. Every now and then, try eating more fish (unless, of course, you have been doing this kind of thing before and I’m just being presumptuous, in which case I apologize).

I really hope all of this works out. Try taking a vacation when you can, if you can. Come to the Caribbean! You have a bunch of fans here as well! Oh! I commend you for getting help btw. I haven’t been feeling myself for at least a year and have been really stubborn in terms of seeing someone about the way I feel.

I wish you the best of luck spoony 

I have personally been struggling with depression for a few years now and no it really is not easy to live with, but with the right people behind you it is much easier to live with.

Also don’t worry about owing us anything Spoony we are just hoping that you can get back to your old self and all of us will be here supporting you no matter what. Get well soon Spoonyone and take care of yourself.

get well soon spoony!
p.s (this is not a threat)

You are a very awesome dude for writing this out to us and being truthful. I had been wondering what had been going on. I loved watching the Counter Monkey videos but I had been waiting for the reviews to come back and was getting a bit concerned as to what may be going on. You provide everyone with something to laugh at or just tune into every week, or so to help get our minds out of the tolls of the everyday. I just recently spent the past two weeks hulled up in my house due to some severe anxiety issues. My poor mother had to listen to me talk about your videos and getting into rpgs those whole two weeks. Your health is important and even if you said you needed a break we would all understand. Take care of yourself as you are now and we will be here supporting you the whole way. Lots of love!

Hi Spoony don’t worry about it, take all the time you need, your not the only one with sleep problems  your fans will understand and if they don’t they where never really your fans.

I myself suffer from the opposite sleep disorder insomnia for two years now and even though its different, I understand your pain of being constantly tired, having low energy and getting mad at yourself because of it.

So if you ever start feeling down or angry because of your over sleeping or cause of other peoples stupid comments stop and think of it as your sleeping for the both of us. x

I know e-hugs are almost becoming a parody, but I do sincerely mean it. *hugs*

I can’t speak for everyone, but I think nearly all of us would agree, you and your work are loved, and we’re not going anywhere. Take your time, get better, get your groove back, and we’ll be right here for you when you’re ready.

Take Care~!!
play more DCUO to relieve stress!!

Spoony…No, Noah. I love ya man and you, Doug, Lewis, Lee, Mickey, Tom, and Joe have been a shining beacon in my humdrum life. I know where you are coming from and it can be hard. Your chest feels like it is in a vice, your tired, and sometimes you just don’t feel like doing anything. Just remember that life is to short to be depressed, try to think of positives in your life and seek ispiration rather than medication. Hope these words help and get well soon. 

hey dont worry about it i am going though the same thing only i dont have the means to talk to a doctor trust me man it will get better if any thing try efexer it help me who knows it worked for me. Hope you feel better and get the video done when you can dont force your self to get it done just do it at your pace

Thank you for being that honest with us, and i wish you to get well… preferably pretty soon of cause. But i’ve also got to say i had an Familiar case to yours and the result there was.. well it takes its time to get better and the moment you try to “force” ist, it ain’t gonna work. So take your time, better you get wall later, you do, as to make it worse.
Best regards
Stefan.

Get well soon, man! ^_^ 

I too suffer from depression and it does take the wind out of one’s sails.  I completely understand how it can cause these delays. Work on getting yourself straight. Take your time and catch your breath, keep up on both the therapy and the meds. You will get through this. In the meantime we will be waiting for and happily watching each video you do get to us. Best of luck to you man. 

You have always had my support Spoony, and it will never falter. Hell your Counter Monkey series became a good sidetrack, and it was entertaining, and a lot of fun.
So don’t so down, just do what you can, and we know it will be good. Thank you again Spoony.

Hang in there Spoony. I have been battling depression myself for years now and I know exactly what you mean. Everything you mentioned I’ve dealt with. Even with regular counsiling and medication its sometimes a struggle to this day.  Most people dont have the ability to understand how crippling depression really can be and how long the process can be to deal with it. I know I’m just another random person commenting on your site but I just wanted to show some support since I know how tough it is. Your work has brought me lots of joy so I wanted to say thank you for all your hard work over the years. Your videos alone always made me smile now matter how down I was feeling and I’m sure you will come out of this better than ever.

OK, I KNOW that I’m gonna sound like the “villain” here. I KNOW that I’m gonna get bombarded with countless replies of “how dare you pick on poor Spoony!”, “lololol, you’re just jealous” and “just another douchebag comment from this asshole”. And you know what? I DON’T CARE. You all know me. You all heard the stories by now. You all hate me already, so why bother playing the nice guy now? The good side of everyone hating me is that I don’t need to hold back. I can now be as brutally honest and controversial as possible. It’s the same reason why TJ is better off now than as a part of TGWTG.

With that being said:

Spoony, learn from the other fucking contributors.

Take a look at Brad, for example. I don’t think Brad ever had health issues stopping him from making new material. No matter how he is feeling, no matter how sick or “depressed” (depression IS being sad) he may be, he always uploads a new Cinema Snob video every week. Even after he plugged the plug on Kung Tai Ted, he never stopping doing the Cinema Snob. And those v-logs just keep coming and coming (Brad once made a v-log with a severe case of the flu, he’s not one to let personal health get in the way).

Or what about Linkara? I don’t think I’ve ever heard him say, “Sorry, no Atop the Fourth Wall this week, I’m felling really sick”. In fact, this week is the ONLY week I recall him not uploading a new Atop the Fourth Wall, and that has nothing to do wuth personal issues and everything to do with Youmacon and the sheer enormous effort dedicated to the end of the Entity/MissingNo arc (and I have yet to see Spoony out that amount of effort into a video. Hell, he doesn’t even do serious storylines!)

Or how about Marzgurl? Keeping a constant schedule is one of the many, MANY things that allowed to crawl from the primordial ooze of Other-dom and finally join the Dream Team. She finished the look back at DisneyToon Studios on time, she finished the look back at the “Land Before Time” series on time, and she is right on schedule with her look back at Don Bluth. Hell, when she first started it, she basically said: “No matter what personal shit I may have, I WILL finish this Don Bluth retrospective.”

Hell, even the Others are better than you in this aspect. As half-assed, boring, unfunny, unoriginal and second banana as the Others are, at least most of them upload a new video every week.

So, my advice to you: qui being a whiny bitch and get back on track. If you are depressed, just cheer up. Depression IS just feeling blue, so just do whatever you need to do after being happy again.

As a final note: you are STILL depressed about that bitch Scarlett dumping you? It’s been, what, half a year now? TJ was pretty sad when he was let out of TGWTG, but he moved on. So did LordKat. Even That Aussie Guy more or less moved on. Being depressed because your girlfriend left you after eight months borders on pathetic. Either find someone else, or just move the fuck on with your life.

There, I said it. Insult me and flame me all you want, I don’t care. At least I have the balls to say something other than praise.

I once was on cymbalta. I remember inappropriate laughter at awkward moments. I was ok at this time, but not myself.

I’ve been suffering from depression on and off for the last 22 years. It’s not an easy problem to deal with. There are a few things I have learned from my experiences with it.
-Do not too not push yourself too much. It does not alleviate the symptoms and will often times make you feel completely overwhelmed.
-Do not blame yourself for the depression.
-Do not think that you are irreparable.
-Do not think that it means you are crazy, even if ignorant fucks think it does.
-Talk to a therapist or neutral party about your depression on a regular basis. It helps you make connections and resolve what you could not with your own thoughts.
-Find a healthy hobby for when you need to escape. Being overwhelmed can break your progress. (Killing things in games is a fun escape!)

Hang in there! You’ve got a lot of fans wishing you the best. There are a lot of people that have gotten through depression. You can make it, too.

Don’t worry about it man. You post plenty of videos, entertaining stories and the like. Sometimes it just takes time, and your health is more important than a humorous sketch with Dr. Insano or bitching about wrestling.

I do hope that you’re soon able to return to posting videos on a more regular basis and bashing all of the games, movies and wrestling matches in the funniest way possible. But your health is more important.

You don’t do yourself or your fans any favors by pushing yourself too hard. You need to just focus on being well and taking care of yourself. Your fans will always understand that health takes priority.
It’s not about being lazy. You work hard. And your real fans will be patient and supportive.

Hi man, good to hear you´re seeking help for your problems. It´s worked out fine for me. I´ve had depressions but medications plus better habits really helps. Best of luck! 

I have been a fan of your videos for some years now, and I must say I deeply enjoy them. The videos you make are all pure genius. I have watched several of your “Counter Monkey” videos alot of times already, it is really enjoyable to listen to you tell those stories. I myself are more into card games, but here in Norway, where I watch your show, both card games and role playing are more of a underground business. And that’s a real shame, because after hearing you telling about D&D and such, made me interested in trying some of those games you mentioned in one of your “Counter Monkey” videos. Anyway, I’m getting off-track, you deal with your problems in the order you like, don’t let stress get to you, if it feels you are running out of time, just take the time you need. For now, your other videos have alot of replay value.

You live your life, and remember, even vikings are your fans ;)

I don’t really mind the lack of higher production value videos. The Counter monkey stories have been more than sufficient to keep me entertained. I think I’ll go watch the Vampire jyhad video again. take it easy Noah.

poor spoony i get you man
sometimes i feel the same way that u feel now
it’s a constant drag on my school work
but luckily I have friends that can help with my homework
and study for tests
hopefully u can get out of it soon

Spoony, this is the first time I’ve commented on here.

 I understand. I’ve had depressive episodes for years, and I know how frustrating it is when medicine doesn’t work and people think it’s just flipping a switch or something you can decide yourself out of. It’s tough, and it sucks, but I’m glad to hear you’re being proactive. I’m not a religious guy, but I’m keeping you in my thoughts. And Counter Monkey is awesome.

Wow…being someone who has also battled depression…Spoony my good sir, you need to look to your health first.  As I know many have stated and feel, depression is not easy to deal with on any level.  It’s a rough and difficult ride and I know what it feels like.  After a fiasco with my now ex-fiance, I know what you are going through.  One of the first things I had to learn was how to take care of myself, as my depression was causing me to work myself so hard I made myself sick.  You should take care of yourself, Mr. Antwiler (yes I use honorifics, it’s how I was raised *sticks out tongue*)  We can wait patiently for you to get better, as we certainly don’t want you to keel over on us.  Best of lucky, Spoony.  Take care.  *big hugs*

To be honest, my wanting a new review from you isn’t nearly as important as your mental and emotional health. I would rather see you at the top of your game than seeing you exhausted and ill. Having been through depression that lasted for years, and watched/helped my fiancée manage to climb out of the theoretical ‘depression hole’, I can seriously say that I know where you’re coming from.

I really hope you find your mental peace, and I hope Oreo is at least a lovely companion for you! My best suggestion is to still try to work on scripts when you feel up to it. One of the big things that helped my depression was writing, and even though I left a lot of projects unfinished, the ones I managed to complete were group works that spawned a lot of entertainment for the parties involved.

My biggest hope is that someday, you might return to your Deadly Premonition playthrough. I’ll learn to accept it if you don’t, though. :) Feel better, asap!

♥

While I certainly miss the vids, but this is a lot more important. Just relax and take your time. I assume counter monkey and vlogs also earn you a bit of cash to supplement you. Good luck with the everything.

I think it’s really awesome of you to come clean like this and I really respect your bravery for being able to admit something like that so openly. Even if you can’t make videos as often as you want or even if you have to stop making that altogether I’ll still always be a loyal fan.

Reading this message I realized, you are the first celebrity I really care about.
Thank you for sharing that with us.Take your time and get well!!!!!!! Not because I want to see more of you’re videos (what I do ^^), but because I really want you to fell better.
So dont worry about us (at least me) and I look forward to see you again in Austria ;)

Stay strong, Spoony One, we’re here for you

I’ve been there. Recently, too. Things have actually turned out very well for me, though, and they can for you too.

We all want to see you doing well and feeling well, but we’re here for you no matter how things turn out.

Soldier on Spoony…Wolverines!

For what it’s worth, I have some of the same problems, and one thing that helps with the bad sleep schedule is melatonin, which is available over-the-counter.

Hey Spoony. Never made a comment here but i’ve watched your videos for a couple years already. Don’t know if you’re going to see this comment, since there are so many, but if you do i just wanted to say i wish you all the best. Health always comes first and you’re right, depression isn’t “being sad”, it’s a disease just like any other, and just like most of them you can (and you will) get past it.
I’m sure at least 99% of your fans fully understand what you’re going through and it doesn’t matter if it takes, one week, 2 weeks one month whatever, until you get yourself well, you just be strong and know that you have many people fully supporting you.

All the best to you

cheers.

Wow, it is with deep regret and sadness that I read this, while I often watch your vids and your a true inspiration of mine, I have not known of this depression or of what happened 8 months ago. Though I feel awful about this slightly putting a smile on my face, not for your torment, just to know that I’m not alone on that one. Depression was often something I’d laugh off when I heard of it, only when you get it yourself its not quite as funny or as simply solved by “cheering up”. It’s funny though when you watch internet celebs such as yourself, we sometimes lose track of the fact that your human like the rest of us.

While I honestly doubt you’ll get around to reading this message as I imagine that it will be lost among the many other comments 7 pages away by the time you get around to it, I will wish you the best of luck with your depression and hope you the best for your vids. I’m sure you don’t need a guttersnipe such as myself to tell you that your vids bring joy and entertainment towards thousands (as well as paying your rent and putting dinner on the table) and it’ll be nice to see you back posting videos on a regular basis.

Thank you for taking the time to post the update and again, I wish you the best.

Kind regards.

Hey Spoony, it is funny because as a sufferer of bi-polar and epilepsy, I also deal with a great many of the same problems. I am glad that you are aware of what is ailing you, and I hope that all too soon, you begin to feel better than you ever have. This is my first comment, so I feel obliged to state that I have watched your videos for a few years now. There are times I disagree with what you say, but I have sincere respect for your thoughts and opinions, and always enjoy watching you! Wishing you the best!

I’m gonna be honest, I’ve never commented on anything of yours up til now, despite enjoying your site for over a year at this point. That said this seemed like a good place to start considering the nature of this post! It must have taken a lot to share this with your fans: thank you for being so honest.

I’ve been hearing a lot of negative comments/speculation about your inactivity, but what I was seeing/hearing from your posts and other people really made me suspect that something like this – depression – was more to blame than you just being lazy or egotistical. Thanks again for sharing what’s been going on ‘behind the scenes’ with your health (mental and physical) so that it’s cleared up!

As someone who’s been to therapy and had medication prescribed for depression as well (Cymbalta, actually, though now I’m off-meds), I can tell you that it really can get better, and I hope you feel better sooner rather than later.

I think I’m not alone in saying your mental health is more important than new videos. :)

Though I doubt I could add anything more than what 200 other commenters have said, I still felt like I needed to register to this newfangled disqus hooha just to tell you that you have my support, too. I’ve lived with clinical depression since I was a preteen and believe me when I say I know what you’re going through, and I know I’m not the only one who understands. Even though you’re just a funny guy on the internet to some, to all of us you’re a wonderful person who we’ve come to care about, and I think I can speak for all of us when I say we’ll wait as long as it takes. As you’ve come to make me laugh and smile in a way no other reviewer can, I’ve come to admire you as a person, too, and that’s why I’ve got your back. I’ll be praying for you, Noah; take care of yourself and everything else will fall into place. <3

Get well soon!

Frankly, Spoons, I didn’t think you had that much to apologize for, if anything at all (Warrior #4, maybe, but that’s just being unfair as I don’t think anything will compare to #2-3) as I frankly enjoyed the change of pace with Counter Monkey. Sure, they were really just glorified v-logs, but they were honest and simple, and sometimes that’s the best kind of video. When your reviews start reaching levels of production on par with the very thing you’re reviewing, it starts to get a bit tedious, as much to watch as it is most likely for you to do. 

I’ve never liked planning ahead, especially in creative matters, so I tend to take your upcoming episodes posts with a grain… okay, I’ll just say it, the whole damn salt shaker. 

Don’t take this the wrong way, but of the Channel Awesome pantheon (Nostalgia Critic, Linkara, Angry Joe, Phelous…) you’ve always struck me as the kind of Harlan Ellison or Thomas Pynchon of the outfit, not producing that many works overall, but rarely if ever bad or forgettable ones. In a way, I see every video you intend on making as a “Last Dangerous Visions” of sorts. I guess what I’m saying is, don’t feel the need to pad out your site with filler just because you feel an obligation; make the videos you want to make and take your time, just try not to get bogged down and remember that your reviews are reviews first and short films/skits second. Your videos always have a level of erudition that is often missing from so many game reviews. It’s like what you said about authenticity, I could disagree with you completely on something you say, but I know it’s coming from a real place, instead of just some contrarian attention-whoring. For example, I love FFVIII, yet I agree with damn near everything you said in that review (especially regarding Triple Triad). 

So, take your time and get well. Your videos still make ad revenue, even if there’s a drop, and I still watch them every once in a while if I’m bored or had a bad day or… well, anytime I feel like it. (for the record, probably my favorite review of yours, certainly my favorite commentary, was for the Highlander game for Jaguar). 

Longtime fan, first time commenting. I’ll be here to watch the next part of FFX-2 no matter what. Like everyone else I’m loving Counter Monkey – even your off-the-cuff rants are filled with very high-quality thought and wit. (And the Vegan Steve story is still funny after the eighth time watching it.) I respect you a lot as an entertainer, writer and critic, and now, knowing what you’ve been going through, your work seems twice as incredible. We’re all with you, we all believe in you. Get well soon, Spoony one!

Gosh Spoony, or Noah if you prefer, I could say a million things about videos right now, but I think that doesn’t count. What does count is: Get well und know that your fans are waiting for you to return to old form as long as it will take. Take care! 

Hey Spoony,

Just want to say thanks for being such a great entertainer these past years on the internet.  I actually am going through the same exact thing you are going through myself when it comes to depression.  I have been going through this for three years now and completely understand how frustrating it can be to try and  find a medicine that works.  I use to be on Clozapine, it helped a lot but most doctors feel it can be to addictive.  It does help with the stress part of depression though so it might not hurt to look into it.
I also want you to know one of the few things that have helped me get through my depression and keep me going is your hard work.  If it wasn’t for you, Phelous, and Snob giving me something to look forward to every week I would not have the strength to get through my troubles.  Please take care of yourself and take all the time you need.  Your videos and blogs are always worth the wait!

Hope the best for you duder,
LaM

Yo Spoony! I hope you get better soon bro, take your time getting over this, I’d take quality over quantity any day. To be honest though, i think some of your health problems might be directly related to Peter Piper’s Pizza. I’m not sure, but its just a thought. lol. :P

Hey Noah,

I gotta say you’re pretty bold with letting everyone here know exactly what is going on and the fact that you’ve been looking for a way to help yourself, which is all you can do. Focus on yourself before others, otherwise you can’t function well without that process. I’ve told that to my wife a good few times now, but as stubborn as she is, she doesn’t listen, ha! But I know like many, I too had been diagnosed with CD when I was pretty young (13), and it really does help to take time to find that medication andor counseling to help you be better equipped to build strength and overcome. I stopped after 5 medications, including Welbutrin, Effexor, and Cymbalta (which gave me neurological ticks, or as I call “Brain Zaps”) and had been counseled instead and joined the military in ’08.

But unfortunately I injured my knee+back moving and had no insurance for 3 months. That happened January and I’m now finally getting somewhere by stopping the use of opiate meds and doing physical therapy to help get those endorphins going to compensate for the chemical imbalance I previously had. I know you’re about 10 years older than me and have a different up-bringing, but whether it’s cold and you’re cooped up with lack of sunlight (JanFeb here in MN) or hot and cooped up with keeping out of harsh UV rays (July/Aug in AZ), it’s horrible and can have adverse effects physically and mentally. Because of my injury I’ve been laid off and without a job since March and just now getting interviewed for a job in Hudson, WI for data entry through a temp.

Bottom line, with the meds thing, like a lot of docs told me, it’s a meet-half-way aide. The other comes from within yourself. Talk to someone you’re absolutely comfortable with about this freely to have an outlet. Keep your sense of humor too! There’s something that will land in your lap out of nowhere, but it may be a wonderful surprise!

**Update: My wife and I aren’t going to be there this weekend, but we’ll be there in earlymid Rebruary! Finances and budgeting sucks! x-O

BTW, my wife thinks you’re hot! She wanted to quick throw that out there! :-D

Your health is the most important thing, so I think it’s safe to say we’re all just glad you’re getting help. Just try not to rush yourself into feeling better, ’cause there’s lots of time to finish all those things you want to finish without completely wearing yourself out. Plus, I don’t know about everyone else, but I can always use some practice at being patient. :)

And thanks for telling us. You certainly don’t have to share your life with us, but I’m glad you do.

Oh, Spoony… I can sympathize. I also have depression, so I know what a motivation-sapper it can be. It’s horrible when you want or need to do something, but the drive just isn’t there. I wish I could give you a hug right now… since I can’t, here’s some advice: Whenever you feel stressed or disoriented, slowly take a deep breath, hold it for a moment, and gently let it out. It helps.

Take as much time as you need to recover; these things mustn’t be rushed. We will patiently await your return.

I take Celexa (Citalopram) myself.  Man, when depression hits, it hits like a load of wet concrete.  You feel sleepy even after sleeping.  You don’t want to be around people, but you don’t want to be alone.  You don’t feel like doing anything, not even fun things; but at the same time sitting still can drive you crazy.

Maybe you’re taking this making internet videos way too seriously…

I don’t know your financial situation, or how much money you make off this thing – but surely it’s not worth sacrificing your mental health so you can be “internet famous”.

That being said, I do appreciate your videos and think your talented.

It’s just not worth it to get addicted to or mess with anti-depression pills where results are murky at best for some, and not good for others. Not for this. Not for us. Not for anyone. Take care of yourself out there.

Hey, I completely understand! I suffer from depression as well. Just take your time until you feel better. Until then, I’ll be enjoying re-watching reviews and the counter monkey videos!

Alright, normally I come up with some sort of smart-ass comment that usually entertains a few people (and hopefully you, yourself Mr. Antwiler,) but before I do that I think I should say something serious for a moment:

You don’t owe us ANYthing. In fact, I, as well as your fans, owe YOU, at least a thank you, every once in a while: for all the grueling hours of editing, reediting, writing, directing, and everything else that goes into your projects, just for the chance that someone will laugh, and hopefully, appreciate every bit of work that you do.

Thank you for giving us, your fans, and personally, me, the best God-Damned funniest, and sometimes thought provoking, free entertainment for the past few years of our lives!

So, do what you need to do to get your spirits in better condition, whether it be through medication, therapy, hour-long conversations with Oreo, or looking through untold amounts of Elvin BDSM porn. When you are feeling up to making more videos, the fans and I will look forward to laughing and raging at the mainstream media bullshit you find.

-Joseph
  aka meltdown2insanity

I suffer from the same problems, and have since i was 10 years old. I’ve tried all the medication, from anxiety meds to anti-depressants. In the 12 years I’ve dealt with this problem, I’ve found one simple solution: The sun. Wake up with it and think about sleep when it dissapears. The extra melatonin helps loads.

Hey, this article is on a much more serious matter but it is tyed into Depression.  It’s a Cracked article that I think you need to read it’ll make you feel better! http://www.cracked.com/blog/8-tiny-things-that-stopped-suicides/ 

Spooney i want to say that i think you show a lot of courage in bearing you soul to your fans like this, and i applaud you.  You are a great entertainer and have a wonderful sense of humor. I hope that you feel better and find a combination of things that help you out soon. All of the best from a big fan. No matter what happens i will keep visiting and watching videos new and old, no matter how long it takes you to upload something new, because it will be a great and worth while video no matter what. :)

Depression is a bitch man. Hope you feel better soon. Take care of yourself first, we aren’t going anywhere.

 Well….however i disagree with your alibism (which seems to me more like attention seeker honestly), let me say I kinda know what are you going through since i’ve been diagnosed with clinical depression few years back.

However, let me add one thing. Since I am typing paper on politeness theory and face threatening situations, I’ve been all up in comparing american a czech cultural differences like mad this week and this is what i came up with.

Americans (and i know, this is harsch generalization) have almost boundelss faith in doctors, when really, most of your practical medicians wouldn’t be qualified enough to practice medicine in my country. Now i do not comment on quality of your medical system (…which is horrible by the way….), but everything doesn!t have to be solved imediatelly through perscription and bottle of antidepressives.

For example, my mother (a doctor…of course) recommended me first to try something less invasive then swallowing pills like crazy. So i did a LOT of therapy and I had to get mooving (meaning physically, first just jogging, later graduatelly more and more intense working out in fitness). And you know what? the symptom of sleep apnea went away after two weeks. Also i started to eat reguralry (since my depression was also accompanied by absence of appetite). I still didn’t felt the enthusiasm to do anything so I ended up on medication anyway (at least for a while, when i fell in love with my girlfriend the enthusiasm came back and i didn’t need the pills anymore).

So all i’m saying is to get your ass movin’. Go jogging with Oreo. Then start to do sit-ups or whatever works for you. Don’t relly just on magick beens to make everything better themselfs. If it doesn’t work for you, you can allways stop can’t you?

Well…I doub’t that you read comments anyway, so maybe I just wrote completelly meaningless comments. If you don’t serves you right, because this advice is worth to read. It helped me out A LOT. If you do, you are welcomed!

Anyway keep making videos, I love the Counter Monkey series and i can’t wait for FFXII(wow is that fuicked up title :-D) and get well soon.

pac a pusu
Hrochátor  

Spoony, I’ve been with you since Yor, I saw you at ConBravo and LOVED all your panels, and all I have to say is: you are one of the most consistently funny reviewers I’ve ever seen. NC, Linkara, AngryJoe, and the rest have some good reviews, some slightly boring reviews. With you, the quality has been consistently high and always, ALWAYS, laugh out loud funny. If you need to take more time with your reviews, you take all the time you need. Get well soon, and know that we are all with you 9999%!!

Don’t worry about it, man. You gotta take care of yourself.

Though honestly, I’m surprised you’d remark on a lack of content. The Counter Monkey series is one of the most entertaining things I’ve seen in a while, and this is coming from someone who has no experience with table top or LARPing or anything like that.

You have a really good skill as a story teller, and holding people’s interest. A lot of the professionals take decades to hone those skills. I know maybe you regret not putting out more content that’s refined with technical editing and what not, but I hope you don’t look at your more basic commentary videos as simply filler. They’re just as good, in my opinion. You have a natural, Adam Carolla-esque ability to talk about any plain old subject matter in an interesting, attention-holding way. Don’t forget that.

You’re always worth the wait, Spoony. Just knowing you’re trying hard and that you want to make videos for us even in a less-than-perfect state is beyond awesome. Whatever it takes for you to start feeling better– do that. We’ll wait. And when you’re satisfied that you’re feeling well enough to get back in the saddle, we’ll be here, eyes a-gleaming and hands making those creepy squirrel-like motions as we salivate in anticipation–

Uh, okay, maybe that part’s just me. *cough* Whaaaaat?

Anyway, get well, and take as long as you need to do it. Meanwhile I will continue to smile every time you post something smartassed on Twitter or take another video of Oreo doing something cute. You’re an awesome guy, Spoony, and I’m happy I found your site. It’s given ME things to look forward to (and greatness to aspire to in my own noobish videos!), and that always makes even a totally shitty day better.

~Zilchtastic, aka April Von Lon

Spoony, I fell into a serious depressive cycle some 8 months back. I spent two months going through your archives every day after work, just laying around and trying to find distraction. You made me laugh and gave me strength to keep carrying on until I was level again. So… good luck man. I hope you can pick yourself up again.

Spoony, I think I speak for every commentator, viewer and fan when I say take the time you need to get back in the right state of mind and the right place. I doubt anyone’s going to complain if you do.

Spoony as a person who also suffers from clinical depression i understand what your going through dont be sorry for how your feeling iv been a fan of yours since The Thing review back in 07 and il continue to support you since your vids actually helped me laugh through some of my bad episodes of depression and kept me going. Out of all the other internet people i like wether it be Necroscope86 or AVGN you have risen to the top of my list. You’ll be fine dude just keep calm and have fun with your puppy oreo 

Hey Spoony,

Like many others, I’ve been a fan since the beginning but this marks my first post.  Don’t you worry about a thing, man.  We’ll all be here when you’re ready.  We’ve all had our bouts dealing with the pain that depression causes and pain is immeasurable.  Suffering is suffering no matter what form it comes in.  I guarantee you we all know what it’s like to sit around, knowing all the great things we’re capable of doing, but just not having the power in that moment to break through the barrier.  You take all the time you need to get through this and not a minute less.  I sincerely hope you take the time to read some of the amazing support you’re getting from your fans because a lot of us are in the same foxhole as you.  If we could destroy this loop of suffering you’re trapped in, we’d all do it in a heartbeat, because we see much of ourselves in you.  You’re worth supporting, you’re worth waiting for and you’re worth fighting for.  Don’t EVER let anything make you think any different, man.

hope you get better spoony, i dont know much about depression, but as a fan i can safely say that any of us help you through this anyway how.

Kudos Sir on being upfront about your problems.  I think that even now there are a lot of people who see disorders like depression and other similar diagnosis as being a sign of personal weakness, or something to be ashamed of which couldn’t be further form the truth.   There’s nothing worse than feeling you have to hide depression.  So congratulations on being strong enough to be honest, it really does make it easier.

I know everyone is probably saying this, but I know what you’re going through…seriously, I’ve been going through almost the exactly same thing. I just got off Cymbalta this year (it was sorta locking me in depression mode, to the point of suicidal impulses…yeah, TMI, sorry). For the record, my last doctor recommended adopting a pet like you did with Oreo (my landlord won’t allow pets, though).

Anyway, what I’m saying is that we’re your fans. We’re willing to wait for you, just so you know that. Get yourself better, man, and we’ll still be here.

Hey, man.  I hope you can find a mix of whatever you need that can work for you, but do what you need to take care of yourself.  We’ll all still be here whenever you come out with new stuff.  Try not to worry about it.

And just so you know, well- I don’t have depression, but I’ve got fibromyalgia and a whole host of other problems that cause me to need a lot more rest than most people.   When I’ve had my bad days, those days when I just couldn’t get up to do anything, your videos have helped keep me cheerful, helped keep me laughing and occupied.  They’ve made my days easier until I could try again.  And I can always come back and watch ‘em again if I’m having another bad day.  There’s not much I can do to thank you for that, but I do appreciate it, from the bottom of my heart.  

Take your time. <3  Hope things get easier for you.

Hi Spoony
You have personally helped me deal with my own depression and other health issues, purely through your wonderful wit, observations and your connection to your fans. This is a shout-out from Australia! I love your work man, I love your efforts, your confidence and your resilience. I hope things go well in the coming months, you deserve nothing but happiness.
- All the best
TJhom

I just want to say that I appreciate all the hard work you’ve put into entertaining us over the years, and give you my best wishes that you feel better soon. I also suffer from depression (the manic kind) and I really understand what you’re going through. But I thought you might want to know that, while the last two or three years have been really dark ones in terms of my condition and my personal life, one of the things that kept me going was looking forward to your videos. Even if it’s just a short little V-log, I’m always happy to see you. It feels like getting a visit from an old friend. That’s really all I can say, but I hope it helps. Really looking forward to a continuation of the Ultima Retrospective, and FFX-2, of course. I hope you feel better soon. ((big hug!))

 Take all the time you need. I’ve been watching your videos for a very long time now and I appreciate what you do for your fans. Depression is no small matter and I hope you can get over it and be happy again. Good luck.

Take your time.  We love you!

Just wanted to say that you’re not alone, man.  Many, many people have gone through and are currently going through the same thing.  My years as a social worker and doing law enforcement exposed me to a lot of depression (mainly children in my case), and you’re right; antidepressants are not a quick fix, and even then the medication that works for one person may not work on another.  It can take quite some time for your body to find equilibrium and for a sense of normality to return.

I don’t know what you’re referring to with what happened months ago, and I’m not going to pry.  All I can tell you is what helped me get through things after returning from my 2nd tour in Afghanistan.  Break things down into manageable chunks.  On my bad days the end of the day may as well have been into next year.  Break it down.  Get up, force yourself to get into the bathroom and do your ablutions.  Make it to breakfast.  Make it to lunch.  Make it to dinner.  Make it to bed.  Break it down and stay the hell away from the booze.  Force yourself to talk to a trusted person about what’s going on in your head, even if you don’t want to.  Mental fortitude is what will carry you through.  It’s more exhausting than running a damned marathon every day, I know, but you stick with it and give it your 100%.  As my wife told me, “you’re too f–king stubborn, obstinate and thickheaded to let this beat you.”

Keep pulling.  It gets better.

Hey Spoony. I’ve been a fan for a good two years or so now, but I’ve never written anything. I just want to say, hearing this, that you totally have my backing. My sister fell into depression a while back, and I myself have been teetering on the edge for a while. It’s a hard thing to deal with and it’s really difficult to get yourself out of it. That said, you have a lot of support from us and I think we can all agree that you have all the time you need. Keep strong and march on, friend.

I am currently in grad school working on my Masters in Social Work degree. People who experience temporary setback like you are having are the heart of my desire to obtain my degree. In an era of scary economic pressures and fears about huge student loan debit, it is nice to reaffirm that social sciences truly do make a difference in people’s lives.

Spoony dude take all the time that you need. We want you at your best as we laugh, cry, and cringe at your skits. Anyone that can’t understand the delay because of health issues is a jerk.

Take all the time you need to surmount this formidable challenge. Considering the thousands that you’ve entertained and cheered up, you deserve all the time you need. Take care of yourself.

3 questions you should ask yourself:

1. How healthy do you eat/drink?

2. How often are you out in the sun?

3. Do you exercise or play sports at all?

This is not me trivialising your condition, I know what I am talking about: I had a major depressive phase after playing poker professionally online for almost 5 years. I can see the paralells to your job, making money from the living room can lead to a unhealthy lifestyle which ultimately affects your hormones.

I think medicine should only be used if all other options didn’t work as they can have various side effects. And more importantly they don’t really get to the real root of a depression; kinda like an aspirin might cure the headache but doesn’t cure alcoholism.

wish you all the best!

Its ok Spoony better for you to take time off and recover then to push yourself to make videos and material. I really do hope you feel better sooner then later anxiety and depression with the constant tiredness is a sucky thing to go through. I had the same issues then got on some meds and feel more leveled out and able to do more in my life. Though yours is probably more hectic it should help keep you focused and ready. Love ya Spoony and its been great watching your videos these past years <3 Just rest and recover and when your feeling up to it bash some more Final Fantasy! God I hope the thought didn't make you ill…XD <3

Don’t worry about it Spoony, as a fellow depressive I know how hard it can be. Do what you gotta do dude. We fans will be waiting,and we real fans will be waiting patiently.

both me and my sister have been struggling with depression for years, so I totally understand where you’re coming from. I hope you find the right balance in meds, have good support, and get through the worst of it, and personally I’ll be right here waiting patiently for you. I love your work, but not at the cost of your mental health.

Take all the time you need Spoony. I have enjoyed all of your game reviews, movie reviews, and counter monkey vlogs for years now. I was clinically depressed for 11 years and eventually defeated it, so I know what you are going through on this. Keep strong and know that you have your fans’ support

Hi Spoony, I know what you are talking about…

Start to exercise. Maybe Miles could help you with that. Just by walking/jogging 15 min – 30 min every day should help you out. Also btw naps should take only about 15 min – 60 min else they are harmful.

I’ve been following Spoony’s twitter feed, and I figured he would post something like this at some point. 

But what I noticed is that Spoony isn’t really all that active, or at least doesn’t say anything about it. I know he also has a heart condition (which limits him severely in what he can do workout-wise), but walking or a light jog or (as I do) wearing a weighted vest (among other weighted items, like sleeves) while walking is great. I’m not saying going for a walk will cure depression, but some activity other than walking around convention floors and filming reviews/vlogs would not hurt. Trust me, I’m not a doctor. I’ve experienced severe bouts of laziness, mild depression, and inactivity in the last few months, and I’ve found that simply going outside and doing… well, anything, helps get my energy up and my attitude better. 

If you feel you need to rest, then do so, don’t guilt yourself with pressure to compose material for us. That’ll only distract you further. Your health is more important than a few weeks of material. I’m a musician and I know how it feels when you have/want to keep working and working, because that’s what you want to do and what makes you happy most of all, and when you can’t do it you feel like you’re wasting everybody’s time, including your own. Just try not to worry about it so much, just do what you feel you must with the mentality that you’ll be back better than ever when this stuff finally passes. You’re damn talented and your drive and the success you’ve had reflect on that. Just chill and everything will be fine man. 

I think you should keep in mind that the “drug” you need may not even be a drug in the traditional sense. Depression runs through my family as well, but skipped a few before landing on me.  My treatment “drug” is Stacker 2, mainly the caffeine, and I take it once a day. I’ve measured it, if I don’t have at least 250 mg caffeine a day I go into a downward spiral in about 48 hours. Since I began taking Stacker 2 about 5 or 6 years ago I’ve been on an even keel, and it does not seem to affect my blood pressure (I check that myself).

One of my friends had the same problem when he had a depression, it took quite a while before he found the drug that suited him.. anyway good luck with the drug-experimenting and get well soon!

Spoony the best part of your videos are you. So if you need some extra time to get better i will not be yelling and crying about the delay.

been there man.  understand your plight.  take your time, get better on your own terms.  return to full swing if and when you’re ready, and not by anyone else’s dime.

Don’t push yourself too hard, man… maybe you actually need to relax even for a little bit to get back in track.. but then again, I understand that you have to keep going because making videos is your actual work. 

But if you ask me, just try to set a time for a little break and refresh yourself until you’re ready. I think that’s the best way to remedy your depression or something. I think you’re just burnout in your work or something… but that’s just my suggestion. Hope everything will be fine in your end. Don’t worry about us, follower ;) we will always stay tune, heheh!

The Counter Monkey stories have been keeping me more than entertained. Keep churning out those bad boys and I can wait as long as you need. Just remember you’ve got it good as far as your job goes and do what you can to get better. Looking forward to the Final Fantasy review.

Noah, Take as long as you need too. The fans can understand if something personal is going on with you is stopping production, at least, most of the decent people can. 

Just one video of yours can put a lot of smile on my face. Now I wish I could return the favour. We are all rooting for you, for the person, not just the entertainment.

The reason we love these videos is because of YOU, Spoony. We like to see you get hyped up or enraged, or even just talking about some fun gags in RPGs you’ve been in. You make it personal and fun, and it wouldn’t be the same if any other person tried to do what you do. It’s not the videos that matter, it’s you. So take whatever time you need, focus on your well-being first and foremost. We might be Internet commenters, not exactly known for our patience or tact (and even less so for video-game/RPG nerds), but we can be surprisingly reasonable. Please take care of yourself, we really do care about you.

hey spoony, your right depression is a complicated beast , when i was going through it i was doing the same thing sleep sleep sleep sleep , i found excersing helps ( Like alot of people says on here ) but thats hard to do with your heart thing obviously , but just getting out helps ALOT , being around people helps too. lovin the counter monkey videos !!! feel better.

For all it’s worth, I found the Counter Monkey videos hilarious. :-)

Dear Noah, your video’s helpt me deal with my depresion, i can never thank you enough!

With love from the Netherlands

My love for counter Monkey knows no bounds. I lust for more. I hope that these aren’t too stressful for you.

I will throw my voice in here too.  I haven’t been worried about the lack of content because the counter monkeys have been more than entertaining.  they have brought back some very good D&D memories I have.  Hopefully you will be able to find the means to put this low point behind you and continue doing what you enjoy.

No worried, Spoony. I’ve gone through the same thing myself. I’ve been through the same rigmarole of seeing doctors, therapists, and being prescribed different medications till I found one that worked. I was taking depression meds for three or more years before I was able to find a proper outlet for it (which happens to be D&D, go figure!), which was about three years ago.

It’s a long process, depression. Trust me, I know. But me and the rest of your fans here in Maryland will wait patiently for you to get better ^_^

First ’Hyperbole and a Half’ and now ‘The Spoony Experiment’. This is tragic.

I actually had some serious battles with depression. It didn’t develop over time, it just fell on me when I was reading a book on the floor.

It’s like being robbed of an inner light you never knew was there. I think my situation is different in that my depression didn’t develop over time, so I didn’t have time to get used to it. My response what immediate, abject fear. Because I didn’t know the cause, I was terrified of everything around me, including myself.

So I say my doctor, who said it was just an unlucky chemical imbalance. That didn’t stop me from trying to think about it. Trying to find some sort of meaning in that powerful void, so that I could somehow break it. But the more I thought about it, savored it’s feeling to get some inspiration, the more it fed on me.

There was nothing here, nothing to understand. Just a bad new feeling that hurts when I acknowledge it’s existence. I understood this simple beast, and had no reason to visit it again. So I ignored it, trained myself to stop when my thoughts drifted to the subject of depression. I taught myself that repeating the same thoughts over and over doesn’t lead to new ideas, but only to worry and mental exhaustion. 

And, eventually, I more or less caged the beast. It’s still there, if I really feel like summoning it to tear me apart (though that’s just self destructive). But I’m satisfied with the situation. It’s not perfect, but what is?

This is how I beat it. I want to say this for anyone commenting who has depression, and is at a loss to combat it. It worked for me, and it may work for you.

The answer to beating depression is to FIRST think about it once. Once and for all time, get that subject squared away all at once. It won’t take long, though you will want to spend more time repeating the same thoughts, as if you missed something. Depression isn’t complicated in the same way that happiness or anger isn’t complicated. It’s just new feeling you have to deal with now. Sort it among your own personal beliefs the way you organize the world before you take another step.

Now, ignore it. Every time you are thinking about depression, stop. DON’T BEAT YOURSELF UP, just try to distract yourself with other concerns that you can control right now. Or do something fun, just anything that gets you mind away from that mental sinkhole. Some of you, especially intellectuals, will have a REALLY hard time justifying your choice to deliberately ignore a topic (I know I did). That’s why you got all of your thinking out of the way beforehand; you no longer have any reason to indulge your curiosity because you will learn nothing. It’s a waste of time, mental stamina, and happiness.

After a few years, you should have built up some pretty strong mental defenses against this thing. You will still notice it, but it won’t HURT. That’s pretty damn good.

Noah Antwiller, I sincerely apologize for everything complaint I’ve had about you in every comment I’ve posted. I had no idea that this was the source of the lack of energy and effort put into the show. Knowing what this feels like, I would have fallen just as far, if not worse, in your position.

Just promise me you will fight this bastard. Put this thing away for good.

I went through a very similar phase when I was in my teens.  I was diagnosed with depression and had a lack of energy/sleep problems for a year or two.  It was frustrating because I didn’t know how to fix it and medication at times seemed less than effective (I actually gave up on medication entirely, not that I recommend doing that).  However, I got out the other end and it’s been many years since then.  It doesn’t happen all at once and it’s not like I can point to a specific day and say: ‘that’s when it all magically got better,’ but it did end and I hope everything will eventually work out for you too.

Spoony, depression cant destroy a handsome stallion(not gay) of awesome like your fine self. I loved your counter monkey stories and hope for more of your delicious production as soon as you are able to get better.

Just so that you know, I´ve been watching you for quite some time now and I have to say that you are one of the most talented and able people in internet comedy business. *salute*

Spoony,I completly understand.I too suffer from depression,along with hypothyroidism and diabetes..I know jow hard it is to do things with no energy.So from me to you,take as long as you need,your true fans(friends) will understand.

keep on truckin’

Spoony, I love what you do and especially your new Counter Monkey stories, I just want you to know that we’re all behind you (don’t take it the wrong way). I really hope you’ll get better soon. Good luck buddy!

Spoony you are one of my favorite reviewers on TGWTG and just in general. I am sorry to hear you have been struggling with this but I am happy you got yourself help. Take your time man! Your health is more important than anything but I still eagerly await your future reviews :)

Hope you feel better Spoony. Know that we all care about you. It gets tough and I know it might sometimes feel not worth it to even roll out of bed. But you’ll pull through in time.  

It feels odd to “Like” a page where someone talks about his depression, but I guess you’re not the sort to misunderstand what we mean with that, Spoony.

Seriously Spoony you have been busting your ass for us for years now and know that there are gonna be times where you need a break and have down time. Just take the time you need.

Depression makes me want to take frequent naps also. Paroxetine kills that urge, but withdrawal from it is hell, so watch out if you try it. Been taking that stuff 15 years.

I don’t know the real Noah Antwiler. But I send my sympathies all the same.

We’ll still be here when you get back =]

We would rather see you well then a billion new reviews hun. Get better; then come back. Where not going any where.  We’re gonna keep a light on for ya. ^^

No need to apologize, Spoony. But it’s touching that you care enough to explain all this, which I’m sure wasn’t the easiest thing to do. Take your time and know that once you feel better, we’ll be all the happier for you. :)

Funny, as I type this right now, I too am experiencing an anxiety attack. I know how it feels to be pinned against a wall of doubt and dark thoughts and it can be a little daunting to handle effectively but I do find solace in the fact that I’m not the only one who suffers from it. It’s weird, it is, but a little slice of communication, even as trivial sounding as it is is just that – communication. When next week rolls around I’m going to schedule an appointment with my doctor to see what she will suggest. All I know is that being alone on an island never solves a thing and I’ve sat on my mine for way too long.

I took Citalopram for about eight or nine months, changed the dosage a few times during that period but was never offered a different drug like Prozac, and I swear I ended up just feeling even more helpless because I wasn’t feeling any kind of change. I ended up quitting them cold turkey and haven’t been back since, though thankfully it coincided with a positive and productive change in my lifestyle so I haven’t been as bad as I was when I started taking them.

Basically, you’re not alone on this, no matter how many trolls (who, fortunately, appear to be absent from this forum) tell you that people with depression are ‘weak’. You may also want to see a sleep doctor as my mother – who also has suffered from depression for most of her life – took about 30 years to finally have her sleep condition diagnosed. It’s not always caused by the depression itself, although it very often runs alongside it.

Don’t rush it and don’t feel you’re obliged to keep up arbitrary deadlines for us, you’re providing us with a lot of entertainment and we’re not even required to pay for the privilege (though many of us donate). Take as long as you need and most of us will still be here when you’re ready to return.

I’ve had my share of depression too, but I can also tell you that it’ll get better in time. Just hang in there, we support you man!

Yes, if you know a bit about science, you should know Medicine is the last option, and the worst of them all, as it usely is your lifestyle and thoughts that helps on your brain (funny enought), than pills. People just think taking a pill will work, tsk, that is just chemical and placebo, doesn’t really help on endorfines and happy-thoughts, I guess. And don’t feel stressed about doing something for those 10 bucks I donated, it is alright, it helped me the most by my concious. I would have done the same for my own website.

The way I see it, you have given me countless hours of entertainment since I started to follow in back in 2006. Sometimes life gets in the way, and given all the BS that has been shoveled your way, it’s awesome that you have done what you accomplished.

Take all the time you need, man. We’ll still be here.

As a long-time fan (but first-time commenter), I hope that the depression lessens (or disappears, but that’s a tall order). Good luck!

Good luck on the recovery man. We don’t mind waiting!

Take your time and make a full recovery man!

We know you’ll be back in action when the time is right :P

Dont worry Spoony, your fans are all behind you 100%, you take your time and get well, we appriciate the many many laughs you have given us over the years. Im sure many of us have been or know someone who has been in the same situation as you, we understand.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you man.

I suffer from depression too, so I know how it can feel when you want to do more but can’t. When it got really bad, and I was falling asleep suddenly and having trouble waking up for work, I had people telling me I was just wasn’t trying hard enough… Which only made me feel worse. I eventually found out that it was depression and I’m taking meds for it now, so it’s a little better. I really understand how bad you must feel and I sympathize with you, so I just want to say that I’m rooting for you and I hope you get better soon.

but that’s just for the sleep issue

I hope you will get well soon, Spoony. I could watch your FF videos over and over, they are super funny :D Don´t feel pressured, fans will always wait for new stuff from you.

Hi There Spoony. It’s my first time posting a comment here but I sorta had to voice my appreciation for the great work you’ve been doing here and my gratidude for so much joy you brought into my life. I’m 29 years old and I live in Poland. Few years ago I had a similair experience in terrible depression which lasted for 2 years before I gotback on track. In my country, Poland it is uncommon to seek professional help and medication, and most people just deal with stress, depression, fear ans sickenss without any medication or couseling. I just wanted to let you know, that I’ve been there, and thelack of ability to function normally is really bad, but with time and help one can overcome it and get back to life.
I’m really proud to call myself your fan, and hope that you can also, with our help, overcome this terrible condition.
I urge everyone to help Spoony and domate to help him through this hard time.
Thank you for being there for us, You are the first person I donated and I will continue to support you even through this problem. Hope you get better. Remember to think positive… there are people who care for you and people that wish you well!

Get well Spoony. Good things are worth waiting for and your videos are very good things.

Hello Spoony.
First of all, thank you very much for the literal years of entertainment you have provided me with and also for opening my eyes to a lot of interesting media (films, games etc.)
I am also a sufferer of depression and I lost about 2 years just moping and doing nothing because I didn’t know what to do to help me get out of the hole that I dug for myself. Your videos played no small part in lifting my spirits during those days.

You will get better. It is one of the defining characteristics of depression that it swings down and up again even though the downswings can be lengthy. It is very important to never let go of the knowledge that things will get better. It is similarly important that you get to recognize the start of your swing downwards and take measures to counteract it.

I’ve been through this a couple of times and I know this can be difficult but as long as you don’t allow yourself to just fall into self-worthlessness you should be able to win through.

As a last note and just to provoke your thinking if you feel the same way: I found that anti-depression meds really put a dampener on my creative side (musician) so I got help from a psychologist rather than I psychiatrist and found a way that worked for me and didn’t mess up my ability to express myself but of course medicine can and has helped a lot of people in similar situations.

Thanks for posting this, I was wondering what was going on with the slower posts lol. Depression is a bitch. You’ll find the right balance, tho, just like you said, it takes a while… my mother in law took a little over a year before she found the right meds, cos sometimes the meds have side effects and either had to deal with them or take something else along with it to balance it out lol. Sucks… but she’s doing amazing now.

Anyway, take care of yourself. :)

welcome to the club im bi-polar and have to switch meds every few months it blows hope you can get back to making vids soon cos FFX-2 IS GONNA PISS YOU OFF AGAIN YET

hey spoony. i know your problems very well. and if i can help in any form let me know it! im a media designer too so maybe if you have some editing stuff or so i might help (i know sending material over the net is a pretty nasty issue but it works eventually ;) ) so if you feel like this is all too much for you – i would help you!
regards!

Take good care of yourself, Spoony! Don´t let yourself be dragged down, keep your chin up, avoid Twilight movies, because they´re not healthy! Remember, we´re all here for you!

You’re my hero man. And I’m no stranger to depression.

I look at it this way: You’re the guy in the white shirt, and depression is the guy in the black shirt.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9fWvub_WBho

Now go kick some ass!

We know you’re fighting incredibly hard everyday man. We’re all behind you.

All I’ll say is I’m going through similar problems and am finally seeing a therapist for the first time tomorrow by pure coincidence.  It’s something that has to be dealt with, and as others have said it’s time for people to look at therapy as a normal thing that people do when they need it.  It’s also necessary for a lot of people (like me) because sometimes the people around you, even if they really want to help, either get sick of hearing about it or simply have their own lives to deal with and can’t give you the attention you need to sort things out.

I’m a very logical person and this is the first time I haven’t been able to figure out why I keep feeling a certain way.  That’s when you need to go see someone as Spoony has done it seems.  At the risk of sounding arrogant I think I’m a little more of an inward thinker and a little more aware of myself than some people so it might be harder to deduce for some, but people need to be aware of their feelings and know when to take action.

As far as keeping yourself busy:  Someone brought up exercise and it really is helpful.  I know a lot of people hate it (I kinda do too) but even just taking a walk will get you going somewhat.  Plus you have no idea how much walking will help you lose weight.  When my “problems” first struck I was taking a walk 3 times a day because I couldn’t stand to sit inside by myself.  I’m a skinny guy but I don’t have washboard abs by any means.  I dropped two belt notches and all my friends noticed.  Now granted the weight loss could also be attributed to the fact that I was a stressed out wreck, but walking supposedly burns more straight calories than jogging and whatnot and I think I’m proof of that.  Just get out and do SOMEthing even if it’s walking.  Also, do the things that make you happy preferably with other people.  In Spoony’s case it might go a long way to tell a few people how important it is to him that they get an RPG night going again or something like that.  It seems like you go to the movies with people a lot, try getting them to do it a little more often.  Heck I’ll even play video games online to at least feel connected with others if I have to be alone that night, even if it’s not with friends and I don’t a headset on.  It’s better than nothing.  

The thing is the last paragraph won’t sound helpful to someone that’s deep into it.  A lot of that stuff didn’t work for me at all often times.  That’s where time comes in.  It’s a bitch but a lot of it just takes time, however I do think you can speed up the process by keeping yourself active, socializing if possible, and seeing someone about your problem.  I don’t want to waste any more time feeling this way.  I might miss out on something great if I don’t do something.

You have my understanding.

been watching you since 2007 man, im not leaving you now :)

Keepafaith Spoony One! Dealing with depression, anxiety, and physical problems is a miserable situation I am familiar with and it sounds like plenty of the other fans deal with also. Personally, while I look forward to your regular reviews, I have really been loving the County Monkey series and it has inspired me to finally play D&D which I have been interested in for a long time but never played in spite of various chances. Few people make me laugh like you do. There have been lots of times I was having a lousy day and then I check your site and say, “Oh Fuck Yes, this is exactly what I want to watch right now!” Hang in Noah

Just get well and videos will flow after that. No hurry and hopefully we’ll see Ultima IX review one day :D All the best!

How about working out, ever tried that? It’s a great way to relieve stress and offer you some nice and comforting sleep, not the types you seem to be having. Try doing cardio or going to a gym for a while, see what happens then, spoonster.

As many people below have already said – don’t worry about us, we can wait, your health is more important.
But thanks for sharing your situation – I have several friends who suffer with depression, so I understand some of what your saying. I also know that there can still be something of a stigma about depression and a lot of people have gross misconceptions about the condition. So its always good when people can share their situation and hopefully inform those people who don’t really understand how big a problem depression can be for people.
All the best

Yo, Spoonmeister.

Just wanted to tell you that you don’t need to worry about not having reviews out yet, because the Counter Monkey series was pure gold. Seriously! I loved it! And it’s a good way for you to produce some content as well. Personally, I’m happy just to see your face and hear your voice now and again.

What matters is that you take the time to recover. I waited for you to get over the heart problems and I can wait for you to drug depression into an overdose. (…Wow, that’s a bad metaphor.)

With understanding
From the middle of Norway
Lupus

Hey Spoony !
Take your time to get better and dont think that you loyal fans will be mad ! we’re not.
:) hope everything is gonne be fixed ;)
jal

Spoony, I personally appreciate your honesty and willingness to talk about this problem.  A little over a year ago I was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder II and it was very difficult for the first six months or so.  Bipolarity, formerly known as manic depression, causes one to go through phases of depression followed by bouts of mania where one’s thoughts race and one gets delusions of grandeur. 

Basically, what I am saying is that I can relate to your situation in some respect because my mental illness was a major setback for me as well, causing all sorts of problems in my professional and personal life.  It has gotten better as I’ve developed effective coping mechanisms, one of which is an appropriate mix of medication, some therapeutic techniques, and I wish you the best of luck in finding your way through this dilemma. 

Since I am a big fan of your show, I will continue to visit your site and watch the old videos so as to keep your advertisers satisfied and hopefully keep the site afloat during these difficult times.  I would encourage all other fans to do this as well so as to maintain Spoony’s revenue stream until he can get to a functionable level again.  Believe me that this sort of illness takes time to deal with but one can overcome and we owe it to him for all of the wonderful entertainment he has given to us.

I would try Citalopram 20mg if the other meds aren’t working, this has helped me a lot more.
Also avoid Prozac at all costs, that stuff made me ill.

I completely understand, Spoony! Take as much time as you need to get your groove back!

Take as much time as you need to Spoony, depression is a cruel condition :( But know that were all behind you (well, most of us…) and hoping you get better eventually!

Everyone is having problems with depression lately, thanks for being honest. I hope we’ll see lots more videos in the future. For what it’s worth, hearing your stories could cure my depression anyday.

Get better man.  I look forward to laughing until I cry when you get back into the game!

I had wondered why the lack of new videos, but since I know now, I simply hope you get well soon. Goodluck, hope you find the right way to deal with it soon.

First off, of course we’ll be here. I know we are not fairweather fans. Even though most of us do not know you personally in day to day life, you have a knack for making us feel like we do. The reviews, the conventions, seeing your first stand-up set. It feels liek not just watching a stranger but sharing experiences with a friend. I am not trying to sound crazy here, but basically I just want to say I wish you health,happiness and security! I have dealt with depression the majority of my life, so I completely empathize. It really can be a vicious cycle. I am sorry you are going through these things, but in our small way, we will continue to be here for you Noah <3

p.s. Thanks for everything! I wish I could put into words the joy I get from your videos. I wish you knew the countless laugh out loud moments from the reviews, and your writing is pricelss. You're an internet treasure for us and a personal treasure to those in your life.

I’m studying to become a dietitian and have to agree wholeheartedly with what others have said about nutrition.  Our diet is linked so closely to our well-being that it continually surprises me.  Exercise is also very, very important.  Try to work in at least 20 minutes of exercise a day and you’ll see improved mood within a few weeks.

I’ve been there before and know it can get better.  Good luck Spoony.  I’m sure I’m not the only one who’ll still be here when you get back.

While some cases of depression are chemical imbalance you shouldn’t just go straight with the drugs. I know this will get deleted or flamed but you and your longtime girlfriend broke up for whatever means. Your sad, your depressed but where you depressed before that event? Everyone is so quick to jam a-fix-it-all pill down their throat sometimes you just gotta ask “Why am I unhappy?”

Coming from someone whose been through more breakups than I care to remember I honestly can say you have to deal with your problems not just ignore it or medicate it. 

In closing I hope you get well and I hope you overcome your depression.

Something a few people here could do well to remember: the only ones who are well enough aquainted with the circumstances surrounding this to evaluate and give advice on it are Spoony and his doctor.  Most people have no idea what real depression is unless they’ve experienced it themselves, and yet everyone seems to think they’re an expert on it. 

Best of luck Spoony.  I’ve fought my own battle against depression, and your work helped me get through it.  I hope you and your doctor find a solution that works soon.  Until then, I’ve always got the pure bad-assery of Yor hang gliding into a purple caveman with a dead bat thing.

i hope all goes well.

We’re here for you, bro.

Please don’t feel any need to rush on our behalf.

lol Lazy prick

We love you Spoony, don’t forget that we are all here for you :)

Feel better my friend.

just take it easy and take your time in getting better.

i’ll keep you in my prayers bro

never taken for granted.

Spoony, you are the man. I know that you will get out of this depression and become a stronger person for it. I’m a fan for life, and I’m here for you.

I was seriously just wondering about you and what had changed.  Thank you for being so human about this.  Wish I could give you a hug and a kiss.  Good luck you, honey.

Damn, i hope you can find a way out.

I’ve had sleep and depression issues. I’ve been taking a daily multi-vitamin for the last month and that’s helped turn things around. Also, regular exercise, even if it’s a 20 min walk. Walks are actually really good cause they give you time to contemplate and think as well.

Anyways, i wish you the best. You’re a funny funny guy who has entertained me since i discovered your videos at the start of the year. I hope you find that way to keep on keeping on :)

Hey Spoony, you are still a cool guy. I watched the Thing review over the weekend again and laughed a lot. You have given us a lot of great videos over the years and that won’t change. Yet the passing time can be the enemy. 

Finding your videos on youtube was one of the best things I’ve ever found on the internet. As previously stated I go back often to some of your oldest videos and they are still great. You’ve also done some funny movie reviews, but I was more of a gamer so I’ve enjoyed those usually the most. Anyways I wish ya the best.

It’s hard work hating everything. Take care of yourself.

Get well Spoony! Don’t worry about us we’ll watch your vids over and over 1000x before we even think about taking updates over your health!

Get better, show ‘em doctors who’s boss, and keep healthy!

I just wanted to say real quick to get well soon, Spoony! You’re one of my inspirations for getting my own video game videos online! So don’t worry about us getting angry at you or anything like that. Just focus on getting better and get us more awesome when you can. Take care.

Feel better Noah your work is worth the wait, Also I have a copy of the Hero’s Quest board game if you would like it. :D

I hope you get better Noah!!!!!! You have been my hero for the last year or so and your well-being matters more than us fans.
We can just watch some classic Spoony reviews while you get back on track :)

While I do want to see you do reviews again, all I want is for you to get better.  I know how it can be.  So, focus on getting better first.  That’s all I want. 

Just take your time and get better Spoony, we love you and your videos and I doubt anyone would hold it against you for this. We’re willing to wait and I will still check your site daily just in case anyway because I love your stuff! We’re all rooting for you man.

Besides, Counter Monkey, reviews, and Vlogs are usually hilarious and probably don’t take as much work as the others, I think, and they are more than enough to hold us over!

Depression sucks, it really helps to get moving, going for a run will help, but when you are depressed that’s one of the last things you want to do, especially when you are behind in work and fell it would be wasted time. and with your heart condition (Takes gulp of pepsi) i don’t know if you can though

Get well spoony.  All I really need to say and no matter how long it takes.

Sorry to hear that you’re ill, I hope you get better.

There are a lot of aerobic excercises that help your body produce endorphins and don’t stress the heart too much. You should really try those out, I promise it will work if you do it right. Physical excercise, as many people have pointed out, is a great way to fight depression.

Plus, when you work out you’re actually more awake – you just feel better, more active.

Also, try and adjust your sleep schedule. Being exposed to direct sunlight releases endorphins as well. That’s why people who are nocturnal get depressed easily, their missing their “sunlight happiness”.

A up duck,

my partner has suffered from anxiety attacks on and off since we were about 18, it’s been very up and down sometimes (especialy when kid 1 then kid 2 were born) and it a very difficult condition to manage, she’d agree that the fact you can bring yourself to make any videos is a very good thing, your not just giving up on what you want to do and i find that admirable.

Hi Noah, I’ve been a long time fan but have never felt the need to comment. Now I do. You are an amazing talent, and you have a loyal fanbase that (i believe) would never abandon you in your struggles. True Clinical Depression is a sort of illness or disorder, and many people are very misinformed about it. I know you are dedicated to your craft (you watched tna for us), but if you need time to get over through this we will understand. Blip will still pay you if we watch old videos right? 

I know and understand what you are going through Noah.  I have the same problem, and it isn’t an easy thing, and it never will be but the most you can do i try to do your best everyday.

Bluh… I went through almost 6 straight years feeling exactly the way you described, where everything stresses you out and you just feel drained almost all the time. I never took any drugs for it either, mostly because I didn’t know I was depressed. I just felt tired and angry at almost everything, and I felt bad because I did lose a few friends who simply got tired of my shit. Of course that left me feeling even worse than before. 

What happened to pull me out of this slump? This may sound cliche, but I went out with a girl. To provide some context, I had recently come out of a stressful train wreck of a relationship, and the break up was a nasty one, which she continued to harass me and her when she found out we were together. And coincidentally, she’s the one who introduced me to your videos.

Now it sounds simple, but it wasn’t an instantaneous change. It took a long time, and I had butted heads with almost everyone who was close to me at the time. 

Wow.. I really wish that all of that was relevant. Whatever.

Take your take, and take care of yourself first. Don’t mind the fans, we will have your back in your time of need. 

Help yourself first, entertain us later. For goodness sake, this is the internet. We can wait!

No worries, man! We can wait! Just take care of yourself for the time being!

No worries Spoony. You’ve given me hours of entertainment. Asking only for my patience in return. You’re the best kind of person and I hope you get better soon. Take care!

Pro tip, exercise. Just saying… Hope you get better.

I love your videos! I hope that you get better, and I’m only saying that just because I want you to feel better. I don’t care if you make another video or not. To me the most important thing is to know that you are feeling good. Your videos have given me so much joy and turn many of my bad days to the better. Wish you all the best!

We’re all here for you! I can’t just say ‘hope you get
better’, depression isn’t that kind of sickness. I’ve been living with it for
most of my life and I know it can be so hard just to get up and do something as
simple as brushing your teeth. But I do hope that one day you will be able to
cope with it enough to find happiness and stability. Don’t worry about us right
now, we’ll be fine. Take care of yourself.

Hey Spoony,

I’m sorry to hear you’re going through such a tough time at the moment. I don’t know if you ever read these comments but I’m gonna write one anyway on the off chance.

I stumbled across your site yesterday evening purely by chance after looking up Phantasmagoria 2 on youtube and found your lets play videos, they cracked me up so much that I decided to visit your site and see what other stuff you’d made; as a result I’ve literally spent the whole day watching your videos. What you’ve got here is genius, absolute comedy gold and kept me entertained for hours (which is no easy feat, I have the attention span of a goldfish most days.) I swear If my reviews/videos/etc ever become even half as good as yours I’d be chuffed to bits.

Like you I was diagnosed with depression and have been on a real downer over recently so it was nice to find something that made me laugh all day. Listen, I know you’re feeling crappy right now but know that your videos have brightened up the lives of thousands of people including my own, you’re a brilliant entertainer and I look forward to discovering more of your work both old and new, you’ve made a fan for life.

Stay strong kiddo. :)

Emma
(www.v4vg.net)

All I can say is thank you.  Thank you for all the amazing and hilarious videos and more importantly for being open about the difficulties you are going through.  I know from experience how difficult this can be and for some reason many people think there is some shame or humiliation that comes from suffering from depression.  There is not and I wish more people had the courage to speak out about how serious a condition depression is.  It is easy for people to just say they feel depressed when all they are is just sad.  Until someone truly experiences depression they cannot understand how terrifying, painful, and dangerous it can be.  I can tell you, as others have said, when I was going through the worst stages of my depression that you did always find a way to put a smile on my face, even if for a moment.  I know I can speak for others when I say that you need to focus on getting better and we will all be here waiting to watch when you are ready.  Until then please feel free to look to myself or your other fans for any support you need in any way.  You have been there for all of us so many times.  Know that we will be here for you.  Good luck 

tl;dr

Still love you anyway.

I too was diagnosed with depression. I understand and will wait however long you need to make vids. Your a great guy and I’m sure you’ll be back on your feet soon.  Best of wishes.

OH NO! THE SHIT GAMES AND MOVIES HAVE FINALLY GOTTEN TO HIM!

On days that I feel depressed, upset, or whatever…. I come here. I watch the Pumpkin Head review and Highlander: The Source videos over and over. Not to mention a ton of others on here that would take to long to list. 
       Basically, your AMAZING at what you do. The abilities you have to make people laugh and smile is beyond anything else. Your a fantastic reviewer, awesomely funny person, and at the same time just as human as any of us. I’m sure you got the douchers who are saying “Suck it up and make some vids!” Believe me, your true fans are going to fire our Satellite Cannons of SCIENCE upon them soon. We all hope you get well and are able to get back to doing what you love to do. 
         Most definitely, your health and well being comes before all else. Even if you push yourself to work, we wouldn’t want you to make things worse. A world without Spoony and Burton is a world in CHAOS!!! Take care of yourself. Play some good games, read a good book, watch some good movies, chat with friends who care. Enjoy some time to yourself and rest up AS LONG AS YOU NEED TOO. We’ll be here waiting for the triumphant return of Spoony, Burton, and Dr. Insano. 
         
Sincerely, 
      All of your loyal (And Expendable as Dr. Insano would say) Fans. And me! (lol)

Hang in there Spoony. I speak as an unrelenting fan and random optimist guy when I say that no problem cannot be solved, even if it takes an unconventional approach. Don’t worry about cynics, trolls or douchebags. The fact that you are addressing this problem and willing to engage with your audiences about what really is delaying production means a) You are already on your way to resolving what you are trying to fix, even if it doesn’t feel that way, and b) you will always have a place back here.
 
Feel better, and warm wishes from the Floss Bros who have been hanging around since the days of Yor.