What is Letters of Love?

Letters of Love is a not-for-profit project committed to helping support others struggling with depression through writing letters. We believe that writing letters gives us something to look forward to and a way to cope with depression, self-injury and addiction. We are a friendly, open and honest community which is also committed to spreading awareness of depression and everything that comes with it.

How can I get involved?

Getting involved with Letters of Love is easy! Request a letter from one of our pen pals, or look at the list of requests to find someone to write to. You can also join a chain letter. Maybe you’re good at making graphics or like to write. You might consider helping create banners to promote the project or blogging at Scars Can Speak. We are always looking for help. If you would like to do something special for the project, please contact Elizabeth at elizabeth[at]lettersoflove[dot]net.

How do I get a pen pal?

To start exchanging letters, request a letter or check out our list of pen pals looking for someone to write to. Keep in mind that if you are a minor you should ask your parents’ permission before giving out your address or any other sensitive information. (See the Child’s Online Privacy Act of 1998 for more information.) Remember that no sensitive information — such as addresses or phone numbers — is to be posted anywhere on the Letters of Love website. Please use email to safely exchange addresses.

Do I have to give out my address?

You don’t have to give out your address to exchange letters. Many Letters of Love pen pals use email to exchange letters. You can also participate by posting and/or commenting on the Scars Can Speak blog. If you are concerned for your safety, talk to any potential pen pals before giving out your address and use your own judgment.

How safe am I with my pen pal?

Although we are a very friendly community, sometimes you just never know. It is best to use your own judgment when choosing to give out your address. If you are a minor, ask your parent or guardian for permission first. Get to know your pen pal a bit before exchanging addresses. If your gut is telling you not to give your address to someone, don’t. Stay at the level you are most comfortable with.

What is Scars Can Speak?

Scars Can Speak is the official blog of Letters of Love, written by and for members of the project. Most of the blog authors have experienced depression, or know someone who has. Many Letters of Love pen pals say that the Scars Can Speak blog has helped them and that they enjoy blogging.

How can I write for Scars Can Speak?

If you would like to write for Scars Can Speak, send an email to Elizabeth. Include your name and a brief description of why you would like to write for Scars Can Speak.

How can I get Letters of Love updates and announcements?

You can sign up for our email newsletter to stay up to date with Letters of Love events (we will never sell or give away your email address).

What should I do if the website goes down?

If the website goes down, please be patient. We have an awesome host, so it shouldn’t be down too long. If you need someone to talk to and the website is down, you can email me at my personal email address, elizawhat[at]gmail[dot]com. You can also keep up with Letters of Love by following our Twitter account and by adding us on MySpace and Facebook. Updates will be posted on all or at least one of those places if the website goes down.

Who runs Letters of Love?

Letters of Love was created by and is lovingly maintained by Elizabeth Kaylene, a 21-year-old web designer who has suffered from depression for most of her life. She also struggles with sometimes debilitating chronic pain.

What social networking sites can I find Letters of Love on?

Currently, you can find Letters of Love on the following social networking sites:

• LiveJournal – No longer being updated or maintained.
• MySpace – Updated occasionally with bulletins and statuses. I do my best to read and respond to all comments and messages there.
• Twitter – Updated regularly with the latest announcements. You can usually find more information about these announcements in the Letters of Love email newsletter.
• Facebook – Updated regularly. I do my best to respond to all comments left on our wall.

What are Letters of Love chain letters?

Letters of Love chain letters are mass letter projects, sent by snail mail, contributed to by participating pen pals. As of May 2009, we have run eight chain letters. As of September 2009, we are not currently running any chain letters and are instead focusing on promoting exchanging letters with pen pals.

I or a friend need help. What should I do?

Although Letters of Love is not a 24-hour emergency hotline, we provide a list of many resources — which include emergency help resources. If you live in the United States, you can call 1-800-SUICIDE or 2-1-1 for immediate emergency assistance, or 9-1-1. If you do not live in the U.S., you can contact your local emergency services. In the case of a lesser emergency, please contact someone whom you trust who can help.

What is Letters of Love TV?

Letters of Love TV is our video channel on Vimeo. In the videos, Elizabeth Kaylene talks about depression, self-injury, and more. Be sure to subscribe to our channel!

I want a Letters of Love teeshirt!

Be patient! Teeshirts will be available soon. Sign up for our newsletter for updates and to be alerted when they become available. ( Updated 09/13/2009: Thank you for your patience. I have looked into pricing and found tee shirts to be pretty expensive. Currently I am planning some kind of fundraiser to help cover the costs. EKB )

Someone is harassing me or making me feel uncomfortable.

Tell the person making you feel uncomfortable to stop talking to you. Stop talking to them immediately. Do not answer any emails or letters. Email their name and email address to abuse[at]lettersoflove[dot]net. If they threaten you or you think you are in immediate danger, call 911.

I have a question that was not answered here.

If you have a question that was not answered in this FAQ, please contact Elizabeth Kaylene at elizabeth[at]lettersoflove[dot]net with all of your questions. If you think that there is something that should be added to this FAQ, please let me know!