FAQ
I have multiple mental illnesses, can I write about all of them?
Of course! This is supposed to be a cathartic exercise for the writer and a way of helping those who suffer from similar conditions. There’s nothing wrong with writing as many letters as you would like.
Can I write more than one letter to my mental illness?
Yes! If you think you have more than one thing you need to say, say it!
Can I write a letter to a mental illness I don’t have?
Yes! It doesn’t matter if you’re a mental health sufferer, a family member, friend or medical professional. If you have something you need to say, get it off of your chest.
I’ve submitted something but it’s not up yet; why?
Dear Mental Illness receives hundreds of submissions and whilst they all get published, every one needs to be vetted and anonymised before it makes it to the page. Please be patient! You will get on there!
Do you edit posts?
Sometimes letters will be split up into multiple letters, sometimes there are spelling mistakes that need to be corrected, but other than that no. What you read is what somebody wrote when they needed to communicate with what is ailing them.
What won’t you publish?
Anything that actively encourages others to become more ill. This means pro-ana things, instructions on how to cut and instructions for suicide. These things are not helpful. What that doesn’t mean is that we wouldn’t post something talking about the positive side of mental illness, or someone’s love of their mental illness. It just means that anything which might make others ill doesn’t make the cut.
