There’s no doubt about it, we’re spending much more time indoors and on our phones.
Staying indoors is preventing the spread of coronavirus, but spending hours on end inside without proper support can have a detrimental effect on your mental health.
Glaswegian DJ Jackmaster released a mix on SoundCloud and an Instagram post on Friday 27 March to raise awareness of Brothers In Arms.
The Glasgow-based charity provides free access to therapists through instant messaging, ideal for those who’d rather spell out their feelings whilst stuck indoors.
Jack’s mix and post resulted in the biggest spike in downloads that Brothers in Arms has seen since its launch which saw a 333 per cent boost on the Friday and a further 440 per cent the next day.
Originally developed with men, ‘brothers,’ in mind, Brothers In Arms is open to women too, with 33.9 per cent of new downloads of the Brothers In Arms app made by ‘sisters.’
Suicide is the single biggest killer of UK men under the age of 45 and many of these tragedies could be prevented if the victims felt that they had somewhere to turn to, to express their emotions.
Brothers In Arms is trying to provide that place.
Jack said: "These are really tough times for everyone with a lot of uncertainty and isolation which isn’t good for people’s heads. Having had my own struggles with mental health, it’s important to me that people who are struggling to cope can get some help.
"I’m spreading awareness about Brothers in Arms, a charity that provides free, anonymous advice and support from qualified professionals via an app. This service can and will save lives. My hope is that anyone who is struggling with mental health can get the help they need."
You can donate to Jackmaster's JustGiving page here: www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/jackmaster
