/r/DepressionBuddies 101: How it works & what you need to know.

Hello and a warm-hearted welcome on r/DepressionBuddies.

This is a community with the goal to help and care for each other. The idea is that everyone can find its own "depression buddy" - a good friend who's there when the monsters are coming back.

Depression is not something that can be 'cured' easily, if even - but dark times might get a little brighter when there's someone who listens to ones thoughts and problems. Even just chitchatting about how ones day - so no one needs to go to bed in loneliness.

The Buddy System

This subreddit does not enforce a specific system, but provides some tools that might make finding a buddy a little easier:

Flairs

User Flairs

For people willing to help others, there are 3 flairs available that they can apply to their username:

• Bud Light: A 'bud light' is a buddy who is open for general chatting, however has only limited time. It's simply not possible for one to be around 24h a day, but you could schedule a fixed time / day for talking, chatting etc.

• Best Bud: For those who have lots of time to care for someone. No matter if it's 3a.m. or right during the holidays, they can be available.

• Everything Bud: A buddy for everything. This flair does not indicate the available spare time or on what 'levels' he's able to help. Just get in touch with them so you can work things out.

Link flairs

There are two link flairs available to distinguish your posts whether you are in need of someone or here to help others.

Finding a buddy

If you are looking for a depression buddy, you don't need to give away too much information directly. Just make a post and describe your current situation in short - and also write down what you expect from your buddy. This will help others decide if they could be the right buddy for you.

Being a buddy

Being a buddy is a great responsibility that should not be taken too easily. Please do not apply for being a buddy if you are currently not in a stable situation yourself, as this might be a risk for everyone.

Rules

Besides the usual Reddiquette which also applies for this sub, we have some additional rules or rules we generally like to point out:

• No judgements or harassing

It's the internet. You have no clue about someone else except for the few bits of information one gives away. You don't know who another redditor is and at what point in life he currently is. So don't judge others because of some misbehavior: Many times, it's not them but their depression who makes the decision. Also: Any harassment will result in an instant ban.

This also applies for private messages: If you receive any unwanted messages, don't hesitate to get in touch with us so we can take appropriate actions. You can also report them as usual to let the reddit admins know about it. If you are being harassed via PM, do not reply and instead follow the advices above.

• No medical advices

Never ever give away or seek medical advices, especially treatments for depression (except stuff like going outside for some Vitamine D ;) ). Medicine that has worked for you might not work for others or even harm them. If you think you really need a medical treatment, go visit a doctor or psychiatrist and never rely on something you read on the internet.

• No one-upping

One-upping is strictly prohibited. Never compare your experiences, past or mental pain to the ones from others. Depression is not a single measureable issue and the illness manifests itself in a thousands of various forms.