Meet the Struggle Buddies

Each character we've developed represents an emotion or a mental health issue that can present itself in many ways. Our goal is to find a way to communicate how to get help and start living your best life despite any challenges you may face.

Patt
Bear

PTSD / Brain Injury / Suicidal Ideation

Patt carries the weight that too many veterans and survivors know. He represents the invisible wounds of combat, trauma, and the crisis that claims 22 veterans a day. His story is a reminder that the struggle is real -- and so is the path forward.

Annie
Chicken

Anxiety

Annie's feathers are always a little ruffled. The world feels loud, fast, and unpredictable. She shows us that even when your heart is racing and your thoughts won't stop, you can learn to navigate it one breath at a time.

Gabby
Red Panda

Grief

Gabby knows that loss changes everything. She carries that weight quietly, reminding us that grief is not weakness -- it is the cost of having loved deeply. There is meaning to be found on the other side.

Ben
Hippo

Body Image / Dysmorphia

Ben struggles with how he sees himself versus how the world sees him. He's learning that worth is not defined by appearance, and that the mirror doesn't always tell the truth.

Betty
Zebra

Bipolar

Betty's stripes tell the story of highs and lows that define her experience. Between the mania and the depression, she's finding her rhythm and showing others that balance is possible.

Anthony
Squirrel

ADHD

Anthony's mind moves at the speed of light -- a million ideas, a million distractions. He's proof that a brain wired differently is not broken, just navigating a world that wasn't built for him.

Aden
Bull

Anger

Aden runs hot. The rage feels uncontrollable sometimes, but beneath the fury is pain that needs to be heard. He's learning that anger is a signal, not a sentence.

Daniel & David
Foxes (Twins)

Dismissal & Dissociation

The twin foxes represent the mind's defense mechanisms -- pushing things away or disconnecting entirely. Together they show that what we avoid still needs to be addressed.

Polly
Cat

Psychosis

Polly sees and hears things others don't. Her reality is different, but she is not less real because of it. She represents the courage it takes to seek help when you can't trust your own senses.

Darren
Lion

Fear

Even the king of the jungle gets scared. Darren shows us that courage is not the absence of fear -- it is moving forward despite it. His mane may shake, but he keeps going.

Alexander
Raccoon

Abandonment

Alexander has been left behind before. The scars of abandonment make it hard to trust, hard to stay, hard to believe anyone will stick around. But he keeps showing up.

Seth
Dog

Social Isolation / Loneliness

Man's best friend, but sometimes he feels like he has none. Seth is proof that connection is possible even when loneliness feels permanent. You are not as alone as you think.

Ethan
Swan

Eating Disorder

Ethan looks graceful on the surface, but underneath he's paddling hard. His relationship with food and his body is complicated, but recovery is a journey he takes one meal at a time.

Samantha
Cow

Sadness

Samantha carries a sadness that settles in like weather. Some days are overcast and heavy. She reminds us that sadness is part of being human, and that brighter days do come.

Military & First Responder Buddies

Dedicated characters honoring our service members, veterans, and first responders who face unique mental health challenges. Their sacrifice demands specialized support.

Bear
Army

Standing strong on the front lines, carrying burdens seen and unseen.

Seal
Navy

Navigating deep waters, above and below the surface.

Bulldog
Marine Corps

Semper Fi. Tough as nails, but even the toughest need support.

Eagle
Air Force

Flying high, watching over from above, carrying the mission home.

Seagull
Coast Guard

Always ready, guarding the shores and the people who call them home.

Pig
Space Force

The newest branch, boldly going where no struggle buddy has gone before.

German Shepherd
Police Officer

Protecting and serving while carrying the weight of what they witness daily.

Red Panda
EMT

First on the scene, last to process what they saw. Always answering the call.

Pelican
Nurse

Caring for others through every shift, carrying their pain alongside their own.

St. Bernard
Doctor

Trained to heal everyone except themselves. Even healers need healing.

Dalmatian
Fire Fighter

Running into the fire so others can run out. The heat leaves marks you can't see.

Military Occupation Mascots

Special mascots representing specific military occupational specialties -- because every MOS has its own kind of struggle.

Squirrel
Intelligence Analyst

"Secret Squirrel Intel" -- gathering and analyzing what others can't see, carrying secrets that weigh heavy.

Beaver
Aircraft Maintainer

Building, fixing, keeping them flying. The backbone of the mission, working while others sleep.

Groundhog
Missileer

Underground, on alert, holding the keys to deterrence. The loneliest watch in the military.

Need Help Now?

If you or someone you know is in crisis, help is available 24/7.

View Crisis Resources