Huddleverse's Viaano Spruyt believes the app he built will be the future of mental health conversations

In exactly five words, how would you describe what you do?

We normalise mental health conversations.

What inspired the creation of Huddleverse?

As a teen, I grappled with intense anxiety, exacerbated by my neurological disorder, essential tremor. Seeking help, I visited a doctor, anticipating understanding and support. However, the doctor dismissed my concerns, denying a referral and medication simply because I was unaccompanied by my parents. This dismissal, based solely on my solo visit, was baffling. Society's deep-rooted stigma around mental health made it challenging to confide in anyone, fearing judgement and ostracisation.

Ironically, this rejection fueled my determination. Recognising a glaring gap in mental health resources, especially for youths, I was driven to establish Huddleverse. My mission was unwavering: To offer a sanctuary where individuals could openly discuss their mental health struggles without apprehension.

What is Huddleverse doing differently to ensure the positive advancement of mental health conversations?

Unlike platforms like Facebook or Instagram, where users often curate perfect images, Huddleverse promotes raw authenticity through complete anonymity. This encourages open sharing of personal struggles without judgement, fostering real conversations about mental health. While most platforms highlight vanity, Huddleverse emphasises “realness”, discouraging superficial interactions. Safety is our cornerstone — beyond just app design, we ensure users feel secure, enhancing our community's supportive nature. Additionally, our customisable profiles allow users to showcase their true selves, promoting genuine connections and enriching interactions.

What do you see as the limitations or problems of the traditional routes of mental health services that Huddleverse can do better at?

Huddleverse addresses a pressing issue: the underutilisation of professional mental health services. WHO data shows two-thirds of those with mental health disorders avoid professional help, often due to stigma and cost concerns. Especially for youths, professional fees can be prohibitive. Our solution emphasises informal social connections, offering a free platform for building support networks.

Today, traditional mental health services face challenges like overwhelmed doctors and a global 4.3 million healthcare professional shortage. This often results in brief, impersonal consultations. Huddleverse champions genuine, unhurried connections, especially in regions lacking professional resources.

Lastly, accessibility is vital. Many avoid professional help due to various barriers. Our app, with its anonymity and 24/7 peer support, ensures users have constant access to their support networks, offering flexibility and convenience.

How does Huddleverse plan to navigate the problem of language when it comes to mental health service access? 

To ensure that Huddleverse is universally accessible, we are working our way towards integrating multi-language support. Our vision includes breaking down the language barriers that currently exist in the mental health space. To achieve this goal, we are exploring the feasibility of innovative technologies, such as AI-powered translation. Our goal is not just to translate words but to capture the essence of communication, including emotional nuances and tonality while retaining the authenticity of the original content.

What does success look like for Huddleverse?

On a personal level, success for me is defined by the deeply touching messages we receive from users who tell us that Huddleverse has saved their lives. However, from a professional standpoint, building a successful tech startup like Huddleverse takes time. Success is measured by creating something truly valuable, something that users worldwide not only want but also need. Our aspiration is to establish a global brand that makes mental health conversations a norm through the power of technology while preserving the compassionate warmth of human connection. 

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When you look at the state of the world today, what is the one thing that gives you hope?
The incredible potential of Gen Zs. Their profound awareness and genuine commitment to progress do stand out. From climate change and sustainable energy to social justice and racial equality, Gen Zs appear more motivated by a desire for positive change than many previous generations. Despite some who might poke fun at their TikTok dances, I firmly believe that Gen Zs possess the incredible potential to make a significant impact on the world for the better.