Our Impact

6 years

We are fortunate to have been hosting open letters of support for more than six years and we look forward to many more.

700+ letters

More than seven hundred students and faculty have written heartfelt messages of support, camaraderie, and understanding to their university communities

219,000 Unique readers

The number of people we have been able to impact is entirely attributable to the hard work of our volunteers and the participation of our authors.

170+ volunteers

Everything we do is powered by our volunteers, from our student teams doing the work on campus, to our Board members advising them.

Updated April 2024

In The Community

Testimonials

  • Malcolm Stewart, Student

    “You all should be extremely proud of yourselves and the work that has been put into this. You're changing lives for the better and talking about the tough stuff, which UVA struggles to do far too often.” via email

  • Professor Rick Mayes

    “I greatly appreciate this website and wish it had existed when I was in college and graduate school. I share it with my UVA classes every semester. Thank you for curating it.” via email

  • Dr. Lillian Mezey, Psychiatrist

    “Lillian Mezey, the associate director of psychiatric services in UVA’s Counseling and Psychological Services office, said sharing stories is a very powerful way for people to take ownership of their narratives. In turn, when students get positive feedback and thanks for stepping outside their comfort zone by, for example, writing a piece on If You’re Reading This, it is very good for mental health because it feels good to help others.” via UVA Today

  • Kendall Palazzi, Student

    “[IfYoureReadingThis] makes me feel less alone, and has been a constant in my life that keeps me grounded.” via Instagram

  • Gabrielle Pack, Student

    “This organization is so impactful and meaningful. Reading through others stories has been so helpful to me with what I have struggled with myself.” via email

  • Sara Zahir, Student

    “You guys really give an incredible service to the university and truly make our community brighter.” via email

  • Alex Gogo, Student

    “Your organization's commitment to fostering a sense of belonging and support for individuals from all walks of life resonates with me profoundly.” via email

  • Morgan Dailey, Student

    “Today and everyday I am thankful for the people and community that Clemson has graciously given me. They are encouraging, consistent, and have always felt like home to me. My friends have been by my side through many ups and downs of college.

    I am also thankful for a platform that supports the same message. That each individual is loved, seen, and supported, amidst any obstacle life may bring and is worth immeasurably more that you could ever imagine.” via email

  • Holland Mowry, Student

    “I stumbled upon IfYoureReadingThis.org earlier today, read some of the letters, clicked off the website, and carried on with my day. However, as my day progressed, I found that the testimonies, messages and purposes behind this organization struck something within me.” via email

  • Megan Ellis, Student

    “Your page was recently brought to my attention, and I think it is such an awesome source of support for those struggling with mental illness.” via email

In the press

2024

‘IfYoureReadingThis’ Creates a Student-led Space on Campus for Mental Health

The Daily Orange | January 21


Empowering Students and Physicians in the Realm of Wellness

American Osteopathic Association | January 25


Clemson Students Co-lead Letter Writing Initiative Focused on Mental Health, Well-being

Clemson University News | February 1


IfYoureReadingThis: Student-led Mental Health Resource Offers Fresh Perspectives

Old Gold & Black Volume 110, No. 12 | March 21


2023

“If You’re Reading This” Advocating for Mental Health on SU Campus

Citrus TV | October 22


‘If You’re Reading This NU’ Aims to Destigmatize Mental Health Sstruggles, Create Networks of Connection

The Daily Northwestern | January 22


2022

IfYoureReadingThis Collaboration

Mentality Magazine | September 18


Ending the Stigma of Mental Illness: Spotlighting “If You’re Reading This BC”

The Boston College Gavel | March 22


IfYoureReadingThis.org: Support Comes First!

TakeCareStudy.com


2021

Mental Health Initiative IfYoureReadingThis.org at VU

The Villanovan | March 24


If You’re Reading This Launches WFU chapter

Old Gold & Black | September 16


2019

Student-Created Mental Health Forum Erases Stigma of Depression, One Post a Time

UVA Today | October 23


2017

IfYoureReadingThis founder speaks at Voices of UVA event

The University of Virginia | May 8


'If You're Reading This' shines light on mental health

The Cavalier Daily | April 10


UVA secret society The 21 Society recognizes IfYoureReadingThis “as a project that started this past fall and came to fruition this semester, [and has] already made a difference at this University”

The 21 Society | March 21

Press Contact

If you’re a member of the media and would like to get in touch with us for information or an interview, give us a shout at jkstanisci@gmail.com.