ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — Men make up 80% of all suicides in the U.S. A mental health counselor is taking matters into his own therapy room, offering men a new way to get help.

Brian Costello says this men's group was born out of necessity. He noticed that men struggling was viewed as a failure, as if they were not doing something right or they have a character flaw. 

Costello says men tend to deal with isolation, anxiety, depression, substance use and struggles with relationships. That last part is key. 

Costello says not expressing your trauma or anxieties leads to struggles with your relationships. You're withholding information and that leads to a breakdown in communication and trust, not to mention the impact on mental and physical health.

“Oftentimes people will develop a drinking problem and not even know it," Costello said. "You know, because it's our mind says it's because of work stress and family stress. But in reality, it's kind of developing or biting a substance use disorder, which creates a lot of emotional instability as well, and irritability.”

Enter 4teamBrock, a Buffalo-based nonprofit to help raise awareness and break the stigma of mental health and suicide. At just 24 years old, Brock Curtis took his life in 2021. Since then, his family has been doing major nationwide events. His sister Jen took on the challenge to run from Los Angeles to Las Vegas. Clocking 60 miles a day, she crossed the finish line this past Saturday.

His mom Debbie says Brock was diagnosed with bipolar disorder and struggled with a diagnosis before taking his life. She is urging anybody who is struggling to reach out and get help and for families to really watch loved ones who may be struggling.

“Don't be afraid to start the conversation," Curtis said. "And don't come in with you have all the answers. I mean, I wish I knew back when Brock was going through things. I wish I knew some of the things that I now know. I wish I could have helped him. But, you know, no amount of love can really cure a person of mental illness. But with support, we can also help people to reach out.”

Debbie goes on to say if you see your friend struggling, tell their parents. She says she's forever grateful for Brock's friends who did reach out when he didn't seem himself.

She reiterates the same thing as Costello, that mental illness is not a character flaw. It's a health situation. 

The number for the 24/7 lifeline is 988.