Oddly, but it was COVID-19 that has totally changed the way mental health services and programs are provided. The cyber transformation of all the things that have something to do with mental health opened new horizons for both therapists and clients. This is especially true in the segment of education that accounts for the most vulnerable social group. College and university students can now receive therapy or share emotional overload from the comfort of their couches – as long as there’s Wi-Fi and a gadget at hand.
IfYoureReadingThis.org is one of the sources developed to cut the distance between undergrads with mental health conditions and those who care about them. This is where a helping hand is being stretched out before asking for help comes into the scene.
The Mission
Simply put, the IfYoureReadingThis platform is an online database of letters that brings together readers and authors within the academic community of mutual support and shared ideas. The goal is to help undergrads with mental issues feel comfortable talking to someone by scrolling through written works, each showcasing support, understanding, personal stories, and recommendations. The source is also the connecting point for the authors and other members of the community.
The Origin
2016 was the starting point for IfYoureReadingThis. Alexandra Pentel (the University of Virginia) created the platform in an attempt to change the stigma surrounding mental health issues. While social media campaigns didn’t seem to work out, Alexandra was looking for ways to provide those who suffer in silence with an opportunity to escape and reach out to those who care. That’s how IfYoureReadingThis.org emerged as a place that connects people behind the screen.
In 2020, IfYoureReadingThis went beyond the University of Virginia while expanding to Georgia Tech. The idea to integrate the same platform into the academic routine of GT belongs to Sarah Tyner. She chanced upon the site on the web and was eager to create something similar to her community.
Expanding of IfYoureReadingThis to Clemson University marked the year 2021. Clemson University chapter founder, Emily Daly, was amazed by the resource that became a cyber home for those who suffer. Soon, IfYoureReadingThis entered communities of Wake Forest University, Boston College, University of South Carolina, Wake Forest University, Arizona State University, Duke University, Colby College, University of Michigan, Northwestern University, etc.
The Success
Success is not something that comes accidentally, yet it was inevitable for IfYoureReadingThis. In 2017, the second-best college paper in country, The Cavalier Daily, published a feature piece on IfYoureReadingThis.org. It gave an excellent start to the community. Then came the Voices of 2018 event, where the reps of IYRT had a chance to spread the word about the peer support site for undergrads with mental disorders of any type.
UVAToday, a daily compilation of the University news, published a feature article on the platform that took its credibility and reputation to the next level.
According to the “The Transition to Telehealth during the First Months of the COVID-19 Pandemic: Evidence from a National Sample of Patients” study, there was a huge increase in telehealth use as the virus pandemic kicked in. That’s when IfYoureReadingThis.org became the bastion of help and support for students struggling with anxiety and depression.
Everyone starts with a mission, and IfYoureReadingThis has completed it successfully. Being a source of personal growth, support, shared purpose, and inspiration, IYRT can boast of:
- High user engagement. The site has an active user base with high activity.
- Positive reviews. IfYoureReadingThis received multiple positive reviews.
- Growing user base. The platform has seen a steady increase in its user base and expanded to multiple campuses.
IfYoureReadingThis.org is a wonderful resource helping college and university students connect to something meaningful and use that connection to overcome mental challenges. It is an excellent example of how a humble web resource can make a difference in the lives of vulnerable members of society around the world.
If you’re reading this, you know where you can be your true self.
