Dan founder of BIA

Many men find it tough to share their feelings and talk about their challenges. Some think they should just "man up" and stay strong. However, understanding our emotions is really important. It’s okay to ask for help when we feel overwhelmed. There are healthier ways to cope with tough times, like reaching out instead of turning to alcohol, drugs, or gambling.

Men often hide their feelings. So, they end up talking about anything except their personal lives. Sadly, suicide is the leading cause of death for men under 45 in the UK. This painful reality almost affected me at 40. Through self-reflection and therapy, I learned how crucial it is to prioritise my mental health.

Many men don’t take time to reflect until their struggles become serious. It’s important to reach out early when facing these challenges. I used to think that asking for support meant I was weak. Over time, I realised that reaching out is often a sign of strength.

This understanding fuels our mission at Brothers in Arms: to provide resources for prevention and self-management before a crisis happens. We offer support to help men take care of their mental well-being. My journey eventually led to a diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder.

Even with more awareness about mental health, conversations about men's mental health are still lacking. The pressure for men to be strong can lead to identity crises and hurt their mental health.

At Brothers in Arms, we encourage the use of technology to help men express their feelings. This can create a safe space for those facing mental health issues. It’s often said that "men can't talk about their mental health because they're not shown how." We need to change this by validating feelings and promoting open communication. By being positive role models for young men, we can nurture healthy relationships and build a future where everyone can thrive together.

We believe that digital tools that ensure privacy can help men manage their lives better. This can guide them away from tragic decisions during tough times.

Brothers in Arms was created as an online safe space filled with information, stories, and resources focused on men's well-being. By using technology and developing digital tools for mental fitness, we hope to inspire positive change for those struggling and their supporters.

Our goal is to help men feel connected and supported, knowing they are not alone. We aim to prevent the downward spiral that can follow mental health struggles.