Read on Twitter
As promised, here's a thread of how Gintama helped me through tough times (I kinda rambled so bear with me lol)
I started watching Gintama when I was on college (I WAS VERY STRESSED) at first I picked it up just to watch something funny cause Its genre was comedy I just wanted to have a good laugh
At first I found it weird I was like "wtf is this humor" but it slowly grew on me, soon I was laughing so much my stomach hurts and I'm on tears, I thought it was very brilliant for an anime to make me like that
Then a few more episodes, same laughter, I noticed I was genuinely happy and no longer just laughters. I was surprised there were actually life lessons that Gintama teaches us in a subtle manner and the huge factor to this are their characters
They were so different from the usual set of characters I used to watch, they weren't portrayed on an ideal way, they were more realistics imo. They showed their undesirable side and absurd behavior
They showed that they are flawed and that's what makes us human. They aren't perfect yet they continue to live life as if there's no tomorrow. I love how they live carelessly yet enjoy life to the fullest.
Also, I love Gintoki's perspective in life which was heavily different on mine back then. I was too serious at life that I only wanted good results at everything I did, I was conceited, arrogant,and stoic. Gintoki inspired me to change; I just wanted to be carefree too
I started to open up and be nicer to people and friends. I learned from Gintama that there are bonds far greater than being related by blood. I love how Gintama showed that u can create this heartfelt human connections with one another (wherein I absolutely suck at)
I started to see that I too was becoming much more lively and friendly. I absolutely love Gintama not just for its laughter or story, I love Gintama for its very human characters
When you're deep in Gintama and suddenly it shifts from comedic to dramatic and the characters are at danger/has a dilemma, u start to feel uneasy and genuinely concerned for them. Cause all throughout the story there's this sense of care you've unconsciously built for them
The character's struggles became my struggles too. I just felt their Grit and Resilience resonate with how I deal with life everyday. I'm forever thankful for the lessons and silliness this show has given me. It was a warm healing experience 
I learned to look at the simple joys in life and not to live life too seriously. All in all, Gintama is a wild ride and if you're not in for some shitty dick jokes and life lessons, then don't give it a try. After all, not everyone can be a Madao like us Gintama stans 
