Grace H. — IfYoureReadingThis.org Retired
    • Featured
    • Arizona State University
    • Boston College
    • Boston University
    • Clemson University
    • Colby College
    • Colorado College
    • Duke University
    • Georgia Tech
    • Northwestern University
    • Southern Methodist University
    • Syracuse University
    • University of Michigan
    • University of South Carolina
    • University of Virginia
    • University of Wisconsin
    • Villanova University
    • Virginia Commonwealth University
    • Virginia Tech
    • Wake Forest
    • Washington State University
  • About
  • Submit
  • Contact
    • Peer Contact
    • Arizona State University Resources
    • Boston College Resources
    • Boston University Resources
    • Clemson Resources
    • Colby College Resources
    • Colorado College Resources
    • Duke Resources
    • Georgia Tech Resources
    • Northwestern University Resources
    • SMU Resources
    • Syracuse Resources
    • UMich Resources
    • U of SC Resources
    • UVA Resources
    • University of Wisconsin Resources
    • Villanova Resources
    • Virginia Commonwealth University Resources
    • Virginia Tech Resources
    • Wake Forest Resources
    • WSU Resources
  • Donate
Menu

IfYoureReadingThis.org Retired

Street Address
City, State, Zip
Phone Number
A collection of personal letters and photos from members of the UVA community who share about mental health and encourage peers.

A mental health resource that hosts letters of support from students, faculty, and alumni

IfYoureReadingThis.org Retired

  • Letters
    • Featured
    • Arizona State University
    • Boston College
    • Boston University
    • Clemson University
    • Colby College
    • Colorado College
    • Duke University
    • Georgia Tech
    • Northwestern University
    • Southern Methodist University
    • Syracuse University
    • University of Michigan
    • University of South Carolina
    • University of Virginia
    • University of Wisconsin
    • Villanova University
    • Virginia Commonwealth University
    • Virginia Tech
    • Wake Forest
    • Washington State University
  • About
  • Submit
  • Contact
  • Resources
    • Peer Contact
    • Arizona State University Resources
    • Boston College Resources
    • Boston University Resources
    • Clemson Resources
    • Colby College Resources
    • Colorado College Resources
    • Duke Resources
    • Georgia Tech Resources
    • Northwestern University Resources
    • SMU Resources
    • Syracuse Resources
    • UMich Resources
    • U of SC Resources
    • UVA Resources
    • University of Wisconsin Resources
    • Villanova Resources
    • Virginia Commonwealth University Resources
    • Virginia Tech Resources
    • Wake Forest Resources
    • WSU Resources
  • Donate

Grace H.

October 7, 2021 IfYoureReadingThisGT .
Photography by Sarah Tyner

Photography by Sarah Tyner

I wasn’t actually diagnosed with general anxiety disorder until I was in college, but looking back, there were so many little things I used to do that make it clear that it was always there. Anxiety is a weird feeling; sometimes I can physically feel it in my hands and stomach, and other times it’s this overwhelming sense of fear. Sometimes I’m aware that I’m overreacting but I just can’t figure out how I could possibly slow down my thoughts or calm my emotions. Sometimes I feel defeated because things that should be simple seem to require so much more effort than normal. Sometimes I feel so trapped in my own head and wonder when I’ll be able to feel okay again. 

When I was in high school, I started to realize that my reactions to certain situations were much more extreme than they should be, and when I was finally diagnosed with anxiety, I honestly felt really relieved. Something that I had always just thought of as just a flaw in my personality was actually a medical disorder and now that I was aware of that, I could start learning how to handle it. Anxiety can impact almost every aspect of a person’s life, but for me, my anxiety attacked my confidence the most. From the time I was in 6th grade, I struggled with disordered eating. I had the MyFitnessPal app and I would count every single calorie (even things like gum and vitamins). If I went over my daily limit by even a few calories, I would freak out and promise myself I’d eat less the next day. This behavior resulted in a cycle of under-eating leading to binging. I never felt like I was good enough, and for a long time I placed my entire self worth in how I looked. Throughout high school, I struggled with binge eating disorder and I’ve also struggled with bulimia during college. Eating disorders don’t have a look or a size; they can truly affect anyone. My weight has fluctuated over the past couple of years and it was really hard for me to face the fact that people treated me so much better when I was skinnier. The fact that I’ve always been the same me on the inside but suddenly people liked me so much more because I looked different on the outside really fucking hurt. It’s still a constant struggle to feel good enough in my body, but I know that I’m strong and I’ve learned that it’s more important to focus on what my body does for me and less on how it looks physically. My brain can only hold so much information at once, and constantly worrying about calories and how I look and what my next meal will be takes away valuable mental space from things that actually make me happy. Progress isn’t linear, and to anyone struggling with an eating disorder, you are worthy of help, and it WILL get better. 

Learning how to live with anxiety has been interesting because even though I’m aware that the way I’m feeling is just my anxiety, I still FEEL it. It’s interesting to think about how the way my brain chooses to process the things that happen to me can determine my entire mood. I’ve realized that it is SO important to cherish and appreciate the happy moments because perspective can really change everything. One fun night with friends can leave me feeling happy for days, the same as how one failed test can have me depressed for a week. There are some days when positivity comes easily, and there are other days when I feel like I have to make a conscious effort to keep myself from having a panic attack. Some days you just need to be alone and cry, and that’s okay too (crying can be fun!!!). For a while I went to a therapist and thought I was finally happy, so I stopped going. Unfortunately, you can’t just ‘turn happy.’ Your mental health will always be a work in progress, so it’s important to continue to devote time to taking care of yourself and to learning what makes you feel better.

Sometimes I feel guilty for struggling so much with my mental health. I really do have a good life, so why do I still feel this way? To be honest, I really don’t know, but the moral is that that’s okay. I’ve started going to therapy again and I’m honestly really relieved about it. I truly think that everyone should try therapy at least once, even if you feel like your problems don’t warrant it. Talking through your issues with a third party feels SO good and it’s a truly liberating feeling to let out everything you’ve kept bottled up. No one should feel like they need to hide their problems for fear of being a burden. It can be difficult to grasp, but one of the most important aspects of mental health is recognizing that you DESERVE to feel better. You deserve help, and you deserve to love yourself. Things will get better.

Grace H., Georgia Tech ‘22

 
 

AUTHOR CONTACT

This author has opted to allow readers who resonate with their story to contact them. If you would like to speak to the author of this letter about their experience, please use the form below.

Name *
Acknowledgement *
Thank you!
 
 

FOLLOW IFYOUREREADINGTHIS AT GEORGIA TECH TO STAY UP TO DATE ON NEW LETTERS AND EXCITING UPDATES

In Georgia Tech
Share
← Sawyer M. Dean Solomon →
 
Social support networks are proven to be one of our most effective coping tools  Community is medicine — research has shown that social relationships and social support networks are key to subjective well-being and have a demonstrated positive
“If you’re reading this, you are not alone.” 

In today’s Stethos[Cope] letter, Dr. Foti (Clinical Assistant Professor of Internal Medicine @tourocom) shares his experience with anxiety and depression. He reminds students and
As we approach Thanksgiving and the holiday season, conversations around food and gatherings may be difficult for those struggling with eating disorders (if this is you, you’re not alone 🫂). Swipe to learn more eating disorders, resources, and
“I realized that being strong doesn’t mean being alone; it means knowing when to lean on others and allowing them to lean on me. This revelation was both liberating and terrifying. The act of reaching out, even when it felt uncomfortable,
“If you’re reading this, it’s okay to take a break.” 

Read the full letter from Jax (@ifyourereadingthisduke) at the link in our bio ✉️
“If you’re reading this, risk being seen in all of your glory.”

In this week’s letter, Tyler (@ifyourereadingthisuva) reminds us of the power of vulnerability and the positive impact it can have on our communities. Read this
Your friendly reminder ☁️
“If you’re reading this, you are exactly where you are meant to be.”

In today’s Stethos[cope] letter, Isaac reminds us of pur inner strength and that through hardship, that strength can take us far🫶🏽read this impactful lett

Submit Your Own Letter

READ MORE
072224_MANYAOFFICE_JCOTTEN 0052xlr.jpg
Sep 25, 2024
Interim President Manya Whitaker
Sep 25, 2024
Sep 25, 2024
P2433542.jpg
Mar 27, 2024
Ariana V.
Mar 27, 2024
Mar 27, 2024
Taylor B.
Mar 19, 2024
Taylor B.
Mar 19, 2024
Mar 19, 2024
Annelise-GB.jpg
Feb 21, 2024
Annelise G-B.
Feb 21, 2024
Feb 21, 2024
IMG_2114.jpeg
Feb 14, 2024
Jenna J.
Feb 14, 2024
Feb 14, 2024
Sara S. (1).JPG
Jan 4, 2024
Sara S.
Jan 4, 2024
Jan 4, 2024
Alex Z..JPG
Dec 21, 2023
Alex Z.
Dec 21, 2023
Dec 21, 2023
AddieD.jpeg
Dec 13, 2023
Addie D.
Dec 13, 2023
Dec 13, 2023
HOL Edited.jpg
Dec 13, 2023
Syracuse Community
Dec 13, 2023
Dec 13, 2023
Manisha V.jpg
Dec 11, 2023
Manisha V.
Dec 11, 2023
Dec 11, 2023
Ananyaa B.jpg
Dec 11, 2023
Ananyaa B.
Dec 11, 2023
Dec 11, 2023
Sabrina F.
Dec 7, 2023
Sabrina F.
Dec 7, 2023
Dec 7, 2023
KFox-forWEB-0323.jpg
Dec 6, 2023
Kendall W.
Dec 6, 2023
Dec 6, 2023
MorganF.jpeg
Dec 6, 2023
Morgan F.
Dec 6, 2023
Dec 6, 2023
Hiba Generative Expand.jpg
Dec 6, 2023
Hiba A.
Dec 6, 2023
Dec 6, 2023
Olivia V. Edited.jpg
Dec 6, 2023
Olivia V.
Dec 6, 2023
Dec 6, 2023
anonymous3.jpeg
Dec 1, 2023
Anonymous
Dec 1, 2023
Dec 1, 2023
Bryce T.
Nov 30, 2023
Bryce T.
Nov 30, 2023
Nov 30, 2023
IMG_9055.jpg
Nov 29, 2023
Campus Reflections
Nov 29, 2023
Nov 29, 2023
tempImageC1W1Cf.jpg
Nov 29, 2023
Trisha A.
Nov 29, 2023
Nov 29, 2023
burruss.jpg
Nov 29, 2023
Anonymous
Nov 29, 2023
Nov 29, 2023
Abby T.jpg
Nov 27, 2023
Abby T.
Nov 27, 2023
Nov 27, 2023
DSC09864.jpg
Nov 24, 2023
Anonymous
Nov 24, 2023
Nov 24, 2023
Northwestern Community
Nov 24, 2023
Northwestern Community
Nov 24, 2023
Nov 24, 2023
Bridgette.jpeg
Nov 24, 2023
Bridgette M.
Nov 24, 2023
Nov 24, 2023
anonfall23_1.jpg
Nov 16, 2023
Anonymous
Nov 16, 2023
Nov 16, 2023
keaton4x6.jpg
Nov 15, 2023
Keaton B.
Nov 15, 2023
Nov 15, 2023
Grace H.
Nov 15, 2023
Grace H.
Nov 15, 2023
Nov 15, 2023
52E4D85F-E14F-403D-8975-A5BB76E62B58_1_201_a.jpeg
Nov 15, 2023
Heron R.
Nov 15, 2023
Nov 15, 2023
LaneyS.jpg
Nov 15, 2023
Laney S.
Nov 15, 2023
Nov 15, 2023

JOIN THE NEWSLETTER

Sign up with your email address to receive a monthly newsletter containing new posts, updates, and announcements.

We respect your privacy; your email and name will never be made public. 

Thank you!

Screen Shot 2020-04-10 at 7.42.32 AM.png
Purchase a Sticker

PeerContact

If you would like to talk to someone as an empathetic friend or just a listening ear, get in touch with our peer contacts

Peer Contact

 

IF YOU ARE IN DISTRESS, PLEASE CONTACT:

THE NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION LIFELINE 988

THE NATIONAL CRISIS TEXT LINE TEXT "HELLO" TO 741741

OR A FAMILY MEMBER / FRIEND

DISCLAIMER: Ifyourereadingthis.org functions to connect friends and peers in order to build a support network. It does not claim to cover other necessary parts of treatment, such as professional counseling or medication.