So, saw your author's note update and thought maybe you needed to hear this.
Right now, there is A LOT going on with many people, the world, and everything. Much of it is overwhelming for many of us, and while I can't speak for anybody but myself (although I think many here will agree), I am definitely not blaming you for needing to take longer/take breaks/take time for mental&emotional&physical health, or any number of other things that are going on for you.
IT'S OKAY. AND IT'S OKAY TO NOT BE OKAY.
Please don't think that you need to do more or that your life and experiences don't matter. They do, and life happening is not only understandable, it's expected. You have said you are trying, but even if you weren't/aren't, it is still YOUR life, and you are allowed to do as you want to (within all the silly limitations we all have as humans, of course). So, do as much or as little as you want/need to, and know we're willing to wait. Even if you have to end the comic for reasons, you have still accomplished a huge amount with this, and I hope you can recognize that and be proud.
I have been a fan since the earliest days (I think I started reading around comic 49?), and I'm happy you are still going, but also very grateful for what you have already given us. You have mentioned that at times this felt like a release from the world, and at other times it felt like the heaviest chains holding you captive, but regardless of where you are at on that spectrum now, it is impressive and wonderful that you have done so much and already told such a wonderful story.
My only request is, if you really do need to end the comic, perhaps post a small written summary of events so us fans at least know where you had intended to take events and characters in the future and we aren't left with nothing.
But I hope life starts treating you better soon and you can find what you need. Personally, for roughly the last year and a half (but maybe for the last 4 years, if I'm honest), I have felt particularly down/depressed, with little energy or motivation or inspiration for things I once really enjoyed, and it has been a process to get back into anything, because the world and everything seems to overwhelming and stressful and it feels like I'm just waiting for the next bad thing to happen. I'm guessing you might be feeling similar.
However, you are still here and living your life and surviving and getting through things. That is a MASSIVE accomplishment in these times. Recognize that, and don't beat yourself up that you aren't living up to past standards (which can be very biased in your memory) or future standards you were hoping to achieve (because life is constantly changing and humans are not good at knowing how to change our expectations when we need to).
You are an awesome person, and I look forward to anything more you want to give us, even if it's just some silly B&W sketches and a written wrap-up summary (or more or less). And thank you for everything you have already made and everything you might make and share in the future. :hug