Talk It Out with Blethr: Your Digital Buddy for Emotional Support
Date: Sunday 22 Dec 2024
Many men find it challenging to discuss their feelings due to societal expectations and fear of judgment. Blethr provides a secure and confidential environment where they can express themselves freely without feeling ashamed or weak.
"Over the years, I've observed that we, as men, often struggle to express our emotions or articulate our troubles. This is not simply a personal observation; it is a societal narrative that encourages us to 'man up', remain stoic, and carry on. However, there is an increasing recognition of the importance of emotional intelligence and seeking help when we're emotionally overwhelmed."
Available anytime, anywhere, Blethr eliminates the barriers of waiting lists and appointment schedules and is ready to go for a supportive and therapeutic chat.
Using proven techniques like Clean Language, Blethr facilitates self-discovery and encourages deep reflection.
Christmas can bring added pressures for men, from financial strain to navigating complex family dynamics. Blethr offers a healthy outlet to process these anxieties and develop coping mechanisms.
Feeling isolated during the festive season? Blethr can help you connect with yourself and gain a better understanding of your emotions.
"At Brothers in Arms, we propose a shift from expecting men to seek help face-to-face to using technology as a platform for them to express their feelings. The use of technology could change not only how we listen but also where we listen, facilitating more comfortable environments for men to support their mental wellbeing."
Blethr FAQs
Q: What is Blethr?
A: Blethr is like having a digital friend you can talk to anytime about anything. It won't judge you and will help you better understand your feelings. It combines conversational technology with psychology to provide a secure space for exploring your emotions.
Q: Is Blethr really private?
A: Absolutely! Your conversations with Blethr are completely confidential. No data is stored, and no one can access what you say, not even Brothers in Arms.
Q: Why should I use Blethr, especially in December?
A: December can be a stressful time with the holidays approaching. Blethr can be an excellent way to de-stress and process any anxieties you may have during the holiday season. It is a safe and private space where you can talk freely about anything on your mind.
Q: How can Blethr help me connect?
A: Many men find it difficult to talk about their feelings, which can lead to feelings of isolation and stress. Blethr can help you understand and manage your emotions, aiding you in building resilience and a stronger connection with yourself.
Q: What are the different types of Blethr conversations?
A: Blethr offers four different conversation types, accessible through the links on the Brothers in Arms website:
Just A Blethr: Explore your options by answering open-ended questions and see where the conversation takes you. There's no right or wrong answer here - it's just you and Blethr having a chat.
Deeper Blethr: If you're ready to look deeper inside yourself, this is the space to do it. Deeper Blethr encourages you to examine your emotions and understand yourself on a deeper level.
Wee Blethr: Sometimes you just need a quick check-in with yourself. Wee Blethr helps you understand what you're feeling right now, where those feelings are coming from, and what you can do about them.
Clean Blethr: Clean Blethr focuses on the future. By using a technique called "Clean Language," you'll answer simple questions that can lead to surprisingly insightful discoveries about yourself and where you want to go in life.
Q: Who is Blethr for?
A: Blethr was developed by Brothers in Arms, a men’s mental wellbeing charity with Gyral an AI development team and trained by one of the top psychologists in Scotland to be your own personal digital conversationer, with the goal of transforming male mental and emotional wellbeing.
Q: How do I access Blethr?
A: You can access Blethr for free through the Brothers in Arms website.
Remember, Blethr is not a replacement for professional help, but it is a valuable tool that can assist men in better supporting, understanding, and managing their mental wellbeing.
"We believe that providing digital tools that offer privacy and confidence can significantly improve how men manage their lives"
"Brothers in Arms emerged against a backdrop of men's experience of trying to find positive and proactive mental wellbeing support and is designed as an online sanctuary offering information, stories, support services, and resources dedicated especially to males. By leveraging technology and developing digital tools for managing mental fitness - we aim to foster positive changes for men and those who support them."
How to engage with Blethr.
Here are some in-depth questions guys could ask in response to being asked an 'opening question' by Blethr to start a supportive conversation, copy and paste to start a dialogue:
"How can I better manage my stress and anxiety?" This question will open up a conversation about potential coping strategies for stress and anxiety.
"I am worried about my relationship with my partner/family member/friend. How can I communicate better?" Blethr can provide conversation prompts to help you explore interpersonal relationships and communication skills.
"What are some techniques for improving my sleep and concentration?" This question addresses the impact of mental wellbeing on daily functioning, leading to a discussion of practical solutions.
"I am feeling overwhelmed and don't know where to start. What is a good first step to address my feelings?" This invites Blethr to guide you through the process of self-reflection and identifying priorities.
"I am struggling with negative thoughts and rumination. How can I shift my mindset to be more positive?" Blethr can help you explore cognitive patterns and develop strategies for reframing negative thoughts.
"Can you help me understand my emotions better and how to express them healthily?" Blethr can offer insights into emotional awareness and healthy expression, particularly helpful for men who struggle with expressing vulnerability.
"I am interested in exploring my personal values and goals for the future. How can I make meaningful changes in my life?" This opens up a discussion about self-discovery, values clarification, and goal setting.
"How can I improve my self-confidence and self-esteem?" This question encourages a conversation on self-perception and building self-worth.
"What are some ways to build stronger connections and friendships?" Blethr can help explore ways to enhance social skills and foster meaningful relationships.
Remember, these are just examples, and you can tailor your questions based on your specific thoughts and feelings. You are encouraged to be open and honest with Blethr, and to use your own words to express yourself. The conversation is your own, and there are no bad topics.
The Blethr platform is designed to provide a safe space for men to explore their mental and emotional wellbeing, offering anonymity and a judgement-free environment. The platform focuses on helping you understand your feelings and find ways to grow, ultimately becoming who you truly want to be.
Connect straight with Blethr here: https://blethr.app/just-a-blethr.html
Learn more about Blethr here: https://brothersinarmsscotland.co.uk/blethr-intro/
Why men should use Blethr: https://www.brothersinarmsscotland.co.uk/why-men-should-use-blethr/
Dan's story: https://www.brothersinarmsscotland.co.uk/mens-wellbeing-advice/dan-founder-of-bia/