What are Mental Notes? A diverse collection of personal stories, narratives, and accounts published and shared over the web in varied formats, such as literary works, photography, and art. These “notes” are specially created and submitted by individuals, just like you, who may be indirectly or directly affected by mental illness. Inquiring Minds also welcomes submissions from those who may simply have an interest in psychology, psychiatry, related mental health topics, art, photography, and/or creative writing. 

Considering mental health matters significantly affect the college-aged population across the country, Inquiring Minds believes that personal narratives are a powerful and creative way of shedding light on the prevalance and potency of mental health issues at Johns Hopkins University, as well as other college institutions across the country. 

If you are a college-level or graduate student, university faculty or staff member, mental health professional and/or advocate, photographer or artist, etc., and would like to submit a submission for web publication on the Inquiring Minds site, please contact InquiringMindsMatter@gmail.com for further information.

Q. What can I submit? Are there any writing or length requirements/restrictions?

A. We are open to any and all submissions - any type of literary piece or artwork/photography that can be feasibly uploaded to the Inquiring Minds site. If you choose to submit a literary piece, note there are no length requirements or restrictions, and we accept any type of written work, including poetry, short stories, personal accounts, essays, scripts, poems, song lyrics, etc., as well as art work including photographs, drawings, cartoons, paintings, etc. Please, your submission must be your own, original work. 

Q. What type of document format should I use?

A. Submissions can be created and sent in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Paint, Adobe PDF, etc. formats. Artwork can can also be sent as an attachment in any format, (JPEG, GIF, BMP, etc.).  If you have any specific questions regarding document size, format, etc., please e-mail InquiringMindsMatter@gmail.com for further information.

Q. Do I have to be a student enrolled at Johns Hopkins University in order to submit a “Mental Note?”

A. No, you do not have to be a Johns Hopkins student; we accept and welcome submissions from all college and graduate students across the country, as well from international institutions. You also do not have to be a student to submit a “Mental Note” - you can be a parent, a friend, a relative, a mental health consumer, mental health professional, medical doctor, attorney, educator, etc.  Please make sure to include the name of your university or professional organization/affiliation, (if you are interested in posting this information), in the body of your e-mail submission.

Q. I want to submit something, but I’m not comfortable listing my name. Can I submit something to be published anonymously on the site?

A. Yes, your submission can be posted anonymously, or just with your first name or nickname, or alternatively, can be listed with your full name, academic or professional affiliation, class year, major, etc. We also welcome brief biographies highlighting your educational background, current career path, and/or your interest in mental health and connection(s) to mental illness. We would also be more than happy to list a link to your blog, web page, or web site highlighting your professional work or organization, if applicable.

Q. Is there a deadline to submit a literary piece or art work? 

A. No, there are no deadlines, and submissions received via e-mail will be reviewed on a rolling basis. It typically takes approximately 24-48 hours for your submitted “Mental Note” to be published on our web site. 

Thank you for your interest! We look forward to hearing from you!