LONDON -- Earlier this week, J.K. Rowling responded to a fan who sad she was tired of feeling sad all the time.
"Could you please teach me how to scare the dementors that have been living under my bed?" the fan wrote on Twitter. It took Rowling less than 10 minutes to respond.
"They're bothering a unique, valuable human being who deserves happiness," she wrote. "Ask for help. Don't fight alone. Big hug."
On Thursday, a different fan tweeted Rowling about her anxiety.
@jk_rowling I'm a Gryffindor but my anxiety keeps me from being a true Gryffindor a lot recently. Am I still a Gryffindor despite that?— Remaa (@Rema_Jabareen) February 11, 2016
The reply came five minutes later.
Of course. Being anxious isn't who you are, it's something you're feeling. It will pass. #GryffindorStrong https://t.co/yooTw8x6xO— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) February 11, 2016
Other people began sharing words of encouragement.
@Rema_Jabareen remember, it's not the absence of fear that makes you brave! It's how you push through / survive regardless February 11, 2016
@Rema_Jabareen @jk_rowling your anxiety doesn't define who you are love. you're still strong and beautiful we all believe in you! xx— Jil (@lostinmywxrld) February 11, 2016
And it seemed that Rowling's words touched more than one Gryffindor.
@jk_rowling thank you for saying this Jo. I suffer from anxiety every day and I am a Gryffindor at heart. Thank you for understanding— Ashley Compton (@AshleyCompton_) February 11, 2016
@jk_rowling @Rema_Jabareen I'm a Gryffindor and it's my anxiety that makes me value my bravery so much! I'm #GryffindorStrong !— Kim (@alexi_lupin) February 11, 2016