Story by Amy Turner, Staff writer

Photo courtesy of bpatmurraystate’s Instagram

Stress, anxiety and depression are all too real for most students on campus.

The Buddy Project is here to help. This is a national organization founded by 20-year-old Gabby Frost. The organization works by pairing people based on a compatibility test to a buddy. Then, through social media, a participant can connect with a buddy who understands what they are going through.

“Having just one friend to support you through the hardships of your life can really make a difference,” Frost said. “I created The Buddy Project to show that to the world.”

According to the website, the mission of the organization is to intervene before mental illness leads a person to a potentially life-threatening decision.

This organization focuses on children, teens and young adults across the globe by providing positivity, companionship, resources and education, in order to reduce the stigma of mental illness, bullying and negativity on social media.

The Buddy Project has spread to multiple college campuses through college representatives.

Emily Netherton, junior from Louisville, Kentucky, brought this project to Murray State. She got involved after being introduced to the organization by a friend.

“I really enjoyed the way that they really strongly advocated for mental health.” Netherton said.

After getting a buddy for herself and following the organization on social media for a year, Netherton decided to join the team.

“I’m really passionate about mental health and mental health advocacy, so I thought I would give it a shot.” Netherton said.

Netherton developed her passion for mental health at an early age and wants people to know that it is a serious issue.

“I was forced to face the reality of death by suicide by a very young age,” Netherton said. “As I got older I realized it was something that I’m really passionate about. A lot of people in society think that people just want attention, that it is not real, or that it is just a phase, but it’s really not. It’s a psychological condition most of the time.”

To get involved with The Buddy Project on campus, students can connect through Instagram at bpatmurraystate. The page features students willing to share their mental health stories and encouragement for students facing hardships.

Students can also follow The Buddy Project on Twitter. This is where students can sign up for buddies and get more involved with the organization.