Colin Easton & The Stranger Project

         This morning Colin Easton took the time to video chat with our class about his personal project named “The Stranger Project”. In 2013, Colin was diagnosed with clinical depression and he needed motivation to break the cycle he was stuck in. He had an idea that would involve strangers for 365 days, but he wasn’t sure what would come from this idea. Through the Stranger Project Colin has not only motivated himself to step outside of his comfort zone but he has also inspired others to speak out and deal with their own challenges.

Unsure of what was going to happen, Colin would go out to the streets to speak with people about their lives and then would write about what they shared. Simple conversations turned into connections within the community and a way for strangers to vent on their struggles. Colin says, “Once you speak about what is trapped in your head, it is no longer trapped.”. He started this project for himself to help him deal with his illness but after the response the project received he continues to write for his invested followers. Talking to people allowed him to get out of his own head and even though it was hard at times it helped him overcome the weight of his depression.

This project has been extremely rewarding for Colin as it has created not only a community but it has started a conversation on mental health, to not be quick to judge, and taking the time to get to know those around you. Colin says that he does not regret any of the stories that he has written but deeply regrets not standing up to the people who write negative comments on his posts. Colin is not going out every day anymore but he is exploring other ways he can advocate for mental health.