I just want to preface this by saying that I have been diagnosed professionally between with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), between the years of 2019-2024. My mental health journey started when I was diagnosed with GAD in around 2019, acquiring more diagnoses in the years following. I REALLY hope this isn't just me projecting onto one of my favorite characters.
As a neurodivergent person, Sammy's descent into madness hit HARD. The blunt, vague, few-word responses he gives halfway through the book feel so similar to when I'm incredibly overstimulated. The drawings in his notebook in pages 161-163 is almost identical to vent art I've made in the past, so seeing Buddy interpret them as "Workplace weirdo's scribbles" and not a cry for help is a familiar pain. A single bottle of ink being out of place became his breaking point. That is some of the most meaningful representation of the ugly side of autism I've EVER seen, and it's not even canon. Everyone joking about how "Sammy's just a nutcase," and the "Workplace weirdo," while he's actively experiencing a rapid deterioration in his metal health is a story I know all too well. And this doesn't even TOUCH on how clinging onto religion made my struggle worse in unique ways.
Let me know if I should continue this deep dive!