Since 2013 an organization called the Buddy Project has been helping people suffering from anxiety, depression, eating disorders, and a variety of other mental illnesses find an outlet to help them cope. The gist of the organization is that one signs up with their Twitter or Instagram because all of the interaction happens through DMs (direct messages) on either site until the pair decides to exchange numbers or other forms of social media. Then they make a list of three interests that will allow them to have a consistent topic of conversation with their buddy. Then the founder, Gabby Frost, matches the buddies together. It is a simple process that takes very little to no effort for those signing up.
That is until they are matched with a buddy. The one stipulation of the Buddy Project is that the buddies have to agree to actively converse with their buddy and not purposely ignore them. This does not mean that one has to be in constant communication with their buddy. I have been matched five times with the Buddy Project and only regularly talk to two of my buddies. The other three provide check-ins from time to time to make sure I'm doing alright, and I do the same for them. The focus of this organization is to show those struggling with mental illnesses that they are not alone and to create lasting friendships along the way.
And I can attest from personal experience that the Buddy Project does just that. I discovered the Buddy Project after I had been diagnosed with General Anxiety Disorder and Depression in May of 2016 and at first, was apprehensive to sign up. I was worried that those who got matched with me would not like me and think I was awkward. But let's be real, that was the anxiety talking. I ignored that fear--of being awkward and disliked--and signed myself up for the Buddy Project. After I was paired with my first buddy I was hooked. I had found an outlet to openly talk about my mental illnesses (at a time where I was still uncomfortable writing openly about them) without fear of judgment that stems from the stigma of mental illnesses. The people I was being matched with not only understood what I was going through but also held common interests. The list of interests is endless: from different bands to authors, to TV shows there truly is something for everyone.
And not only did I gain help and hope from the Buddy Project, I was able to help others as well. Throughout my life, I have been a "helper." I love to be the person others come to to talk to and this project allowed me to do so while simultaneously gaining help for myself. And if you are not diagnosed or struggling from a mental illness you are still welcome to sing up: everyone goes through rough patches and can use a friend that understands.