{"id":430024,"date":"2026-01-22T13:31:10","date_gmt":"2026-01-22T13:31:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/430024\/"},"modified":"2026-01-22T13:31:10","modified_gmt":"2026-01-22T13:31:10","slug":"i-love-you-bro-movement-brings-utah-men-together-to-talk-about-mental-health","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/430024\/","title":{"rendered":"\u2018I Love You, Bro’ movement brings Utah men together to talk about mental health"},"content":{"rendered":"

LEHI, Utah \u2014 What started as a moment of compassion on a Lehi overpass has grown into a statewide movement to help men break the silence on mental health struggles.<\/p>\n

In 2022, Joe Tuiaana was driving through Lehi when he saw a man in crisis on an overpass. Tuiaana stopped, approached him, and spoke only four words: \u201cI love you, bro.\u201d The man eventually stepped away from the edge.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat moment compelled me \u2014 almost forced me \u2014 into the mental health arena,\u201d Tuiaana said. \u201cI have a passion for human beings. I\u2019m a very lovable person, and I love to help others.\u201d<\/p>\n

Tuiaana, realizing how rarely men felt comfortable talking about mental health, started gathering a small group to support the man he had helped. <\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe get him some connection, and talk a little bit about our feelings,\u201d Tuiaana said.<\/p>\n

From that effort emerged the \u201cI Love You, Bro Project<\/a>,\u201d a free weekly support group where men gather to connect, share, and engage in difficult conversations without judgment.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe meet every week, at the same time, same place. Holidays, you name it \u2014 we\u2019re here,\u201d Tuiaana said. \u201cMen seriously need to have a place that\u2019s weekly and consistent for them to go for those challenges.\u201d<\/p>\n

What started with one group in Provo has expanded to 10 across Utah, including a newer chapter in Tooele. Volunteers Weston Brandon and Ashish Patel lead the group that meets every Thursday at Aspen Ridge in Tooele.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe reason why I do it is that I myself struggled with mental health for years,\u201d Patel said. \u201cThis is a way to make it more comfortable for other bros to come through and talk.\u201d<\/p>\n

Brandon shares that experience. <\/p>\n

\u201cHaving gone through serious dark times myself, I empathize very heavily with guys who are in those dark places,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

Both leaders agree that having a safe and consistent space can make a life-changing difference.<\/p>\n

\u201cI also know as a man that it\u2019s really hard \u2014 really hard \u2014 to feel comfortable talking to other people,\u201d Brandon said. <\/p>\n

\u201cMental health is an ongoing thing,\u201d Patel added. \u201cIt takes time, but having that safe place to open up helps.\u201d<\/p>\n

The I Love You, Bro Project will be expanding to other cities throughout this year. They\u2019re heading to Salt Lake, Eagle Mountain, and St. George.<\/p>\n

They also have a men’s workshop this coming Saturday, and a women’s workshop the first week of February.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

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