JK Rowling Casts 'Expecto Patronum' Spell For Fan With Depression

'You deserve this. I hope it helps.'

JK Rowling is never one to deny a Harry Potter fan in need, so when one woman reached out with a heartfelt request, the author was more than happy to oblige.

Kate has suffered from depression for most of her life, but says that Rowling helped her navigate through some of her lowest moments.

Now, the 22-year-old is determined to work through her depression, and plans to get a tattoo of a befitting Harry Potter spell, 'expecto patronum', to remind her to stay strong.

Kate reached out to Rowling on Twitter, asking her to hand-write the famous spell, and - of course - the author didn't disappoint.

"I love that you're working to heal and protect yourself. You deserve this. I hope it helps," wrote the author.

Speaking to The Huffington Post UK, Kate said: "'Expecto Patronum' has different meanings for different people. For me, personally, it's about finding your inner strength and holding on to a happy memory and making the bad guys (mostly depression and the voices in my head, in my case) go away.

"Just like in the books where Harry had to fight hard to defeat the dementors, I also have to fight hard to defeat my own. I have to hold on to a strong happy memory and cast the spell every time I get attacked. And having the words written in JK Rowling's handwriting adds more to that meaning, making it the best and, maybe, the most beautiful tattoo I will ever get. I am so thankful to her and so blessed to have her in my life."

Kate, who has self-harmed and attempted suicide on multiple occasions, plans to get the tattoo on her wrist on the arm that she has cut the most. She's proud to say she has been "clean" for 30 days, meaning she hasn't self-harmed. She reached out to Rowling to mark the anniversary.

"I'm planning on getting the tattoo on my left arm, somewhere in the middle maybe. My left arm has the most scars, also the deepest ones. Getting it there I'm sure is going to help me heal in many ways," she told HuffPost UK.

Speaking about her diagnosis with depression, which came in 2013, she said: "Among other things, depression has been one of the worst things to ever happen to me. It eats you alive, it keeps you awake at night, it can lead to some ugly stuff. But, now I know I can start healing one day at a time. I might have some setbacks along the way, but it will all be okay in the end."

Useful websites and helplines:

Mind, open Monday to Friday, 9am-6pm on 0300 123 3393

Samaritans offers a listening service which is open 24 hours a day, on 116 123(UK and ROI - this number is FREE to call and will not appear on your phone bill.

Get Connected is a free advice service for people under 25. Call 0808 808 4994 or email: help@getconnected.org.uk

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