May is Mental Health Awareness Month. It’s a time to talk about mental health and share feelings that people don’t always say out loud.

At Best Buddies International, these talks begin with something simple but strong: friendship.

For one former Best Buddies member, friendship changed her life. When she was growing up, she thought she had to earn her place by working hard and doing well. This belief followed her through sports and into college, where things became overwhelming.

Then she found a friendship she didn’t expect. It started in her high school cafeteria and helped her through very hard times, including an eating disorder and recovery. Her Best Buddy didn’t care about her achievements. She cared that she showed up.

On days when she didn’t like herself, her buddy still liked her.

This Mental Health Awareness Month, we invite you to read her full story and think about how powerful connection can be. Sometimes, the support you need comes from someone you never expected.