Found again ~ Dave’s Story

‘Before I found Roots of Resilience, I was drowning in a sea of silence and stigma. As a man, admitting to struggling with my mental health felt like an admission of weakness, something I couldn’t afford to show. But behind closed doors, the weight of my emotions was crushing me.

When I finally mustered the courage to seek help, I discovered a lifeline in the form of this incredible charity. From the moment I walked through their doors, I was met with warmth and understanding, a stark contrast to the judgment I had feared.

The sense of community among the men I met there was unlike anything I had experienced before. We shared our stories, our struggles, and our triumphs, creating bonds that I know will last a lifetime. In that space, vulnerability was not only accepted but celebrated as a sign of strength.

The organisation offered a range of resources and activities aimed at helping us navigate our mental health journeys. From group therapy sessions to mindfulness exercises, each session provided me with new tools and perspectives to confront my demons head-on.

But perhaps the most valuable aspect of my experience was the realization that I was not alone. Surrounded by others who understood my pain, I felt seen and supported in ways I never thought possible. And as I watched my fellow brothers in arms find healing and hope, I knew that I was exactly where I needed to be.

Since finding the Roots of Resilience, I’ve begun to rewrite the narrative of masculinity that I had been taught to adhere to. I no longer see seeking help as a sign of weakness, but rather as an act of courage and self-love. And for that, I am eternally grateful.”