Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why did you decide to start Not Alone Notes?
A: Morgan had the idea of mailing a package of resources to individuals with OCD for months but wasn’t sure how to execute it. The goal was to connect with others with OCD either who felt alone or were just diagnosed or needed a burst of courage and hope. While writing back and forth with some friends from OCDcon, she realized a letter was a simpler, cheaper alternative to a package. Without much hesitation, Morgan came up with the name (because who doesn’t love alliteration?), posted about Not Alone Notes on her blog, Tweeted about it, and waited for someone to request a Note. The rest is history!
Read more on our about page: About Not Alone Notes
Q: When did you start Not Alone Notes?
A: Morgan added Not Alone Notes to her blog in September of 2017. The first Note was mailed out on September 24, 2017. Molly got involved with the project shortly after with the idea to make and use handmade notecards.
Q: How many Not Alone Notes have you mailed
A: This number is constantly changing! As of summer 2022, we have sent over 2,000 notes around the world!
Q: How long can I expect it to take to receive my Not Alone Note?
A: This depends largely on how backed up we are, but we try to keep it within a month, if not less. International cards will also take longer to arrive because of the longer mail time. You can always reach out to us at notalonenotes [at] gmail.com to inquire if your card has been sent, or if it’s been a while and hasn’t arrived. Please do not request additional notes for the same person.
Q: I received a note a few weeks/months/years ago. Can I request another?
A: Because of limited resources and sometimes backed-up requests, we are only able to send one Not Alone Note to each person. You are always welcome to write us a letter though, and we often reply to those personally, though in a different way. If you never received your note after your first request, rather than requesting again, please email notalonenotes [at] gmail.com
Q: How is Not Alone Notes funded?
A: Not Alone Notes is funded through a sponsorship with the small business HabitAware that sells bracelets to help you take control of body-focused repetitive behaviors, T-shirt sales, and with donations from individuals like yourself who want to give back after receiving a card or just like the project! We are extremely grateful for any and all donations. The money goes towards purchasing blank notecards, stamps, and other art supplies.
Q: How can I find help for my OCD?
A: Though we are passionate advocates, we are not mental health professionals. The IOCDF has information on their website to help you find someone who specializes in OCD. We also have a resource tab.
Q: How do you recommend sharing my story or getting involved with advocacy?
A: There are a lot of great ways to get involved in the OCD or more general mental health community for whatever comfort level you are at with sharing your story! Some options include mental health specific social media accounts (Twitter, Instagram, etc.), starting a blog, joining clubs on you college campus (e.g., Active Minds), and getting involved with your community’s organizations (e.g., NAMI).
The International OCD Foundation also has an OCD Advocate, or OCDvocate, program. You can sign their pledge to be an advocate and then get participate in their various advocacy projects like posting on social media during OCD Awareness Week, making an awareness video, or even just having a conversation about OCD with someone you trust.
Home 