Breaking the Silence: Dad Bod Summer’s Mission During Mental Health Awareness Month

Breaking the Silence: Dad Bod Summer’s Mission During Mental Health Awareness Month

As May begins, we step into Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to reflect, speak out, and support those facing mental health challenges, especially men, who are often expected to stay silent. At Dad Bod Summer, we’re not just a clothing company, we're a movement, a purpose-driven Men’s Mental Health Awareness Brand born from real life experiences and a deep desire to make a difference.

I’m Mikey Parisano, the founder of Dad Bod Summer. The inspiration for this company came in the summer of 2021, during a fishing trip with my close friend Ray Robinson. We were out on the water, letting the stress of life drift away with the tide. In that moment, surrounded by fresh air, a cold beer, cracking jokes, and sharing stories, it hit me how healing these experiences could be. That trip wasn’t just about catching fish; it was about reconnecting, decompressing, and supporting each other in ways that didn’t require saying much at all.

That’s when the vision for Dad Bod Summer was born. I realized that golf, fishing, and time spent outdoors weren’t just hobbies, they were therapy. They were community. They were peace. And I wanted to build a brand that celebrated that energy and fun while also shining a light on something far more important: Men’s Mental Health Awareness.

At Dad Bod Summer, we believe in the healing power of community and shared experiences. Our Mental Health Shirts are more than just apparel, they’re symbols of solidarity and conversation starters. We also recognize the therapeutic benefits of activities like golf and fishing. Engaging in these hobbies offers a respite from daily stressors, fostering mindfulness and connection with nature.

This Mental Health Awareness Month, it’s important to remind ourselves of the real stories and real people behind the statistics. For instance, in the United States, men die by suicide nearly four times more often than women. Every year, hundreds of thousands of men suffer in silence due to the stigma around asking for help. That’s why being a Men’s Mental Health Awareness Brand isn’t just our identity—it’s our responsibility.

One powerful example came from the world of mixed martial arts. UFC fighter Paddy Pimblett gave an emotional post-fight speech after learning just hours before his bout that a close friend had died by suicide. Fighting through tears, he said, “There’s a stigma in this world that men can’t talk… I’d rather my mate cry on my shoulder than go to his funeral next week.” That moment wasn’t just powerful, it was transformative. It reminded countless men around the world that vulnerability is strength.

Another came from Boston Red Sox outfielder Jarren Duran, who recently revealed his own mental health battle and suicide attempt during a Netflix docuseries. “I had my rifle and I had a bullet, and I pulled the trigger,” he said. “But nothing happened.” His story is not only chilling, it’s deeply brave. By sharing something so personal, Duran turned pain into purpose, and showed that even elite athletes, with all the accolades in the world, are human too. Jarren Duran Mental Health is now a conversation. Jarren Duran Suicide Attempt is no longer hidden in shame. He is living proof that transparency saves lives.

As a proud Philadelphia Eagles fan, I have to give a special shoutout to one of the greatest offensive linemen of all time, Lane Johnson. Not just for his dominance on the field and for protecting Jalen Hurts on Sundays, but for the courage he’s shown off of it. Lane publicly opened up about his long-standing battle with anxiety and depression, shedding light on an issue many men still feel forced to keep in the dark. He once said, “Depression and anxiety are things I've dealt with for a long time and have kept hidden from my friends and family… If you're reading this and struggling, please know that you are not alone.” That moment, and Lane’s continued advocacy, reminds all of us that even giants can hurt. Whether you’re an NFL superstar or a weekend golfer, Men’s Mental Health Awareness matters. Lane’s story is one more reason why I’m so committed to making Dad Bod Summer a safe space and a true Men’s Mental Health Brand that doesn’t shy away from real conversations.

And then, we are approaching the one year anniversary of the tragic passing of PGA Golfer Grayson Murray. His death shook the golf world. He died by suicide at age 30, despite his immense talent and career success. His parents, Eric and Terry Murray, shared, “Although he took his own life, we know he rests peacefully now.” Grayson’s death is a gut-wrenching reminder that mental health struggles don’t discriminate based on fame or fortune. It’s exactly why Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month matters so much. Because silence is deadly, and awareness saves lives.

Golf and fishing aren’t just pastimes, they’re pathways to peace. Whether you’re out on the bay casting a line or walking 18 holes with friends and family, those moments are sacred. They’re meditative. They’re an escape from anxiety and pressure. I built our Golf Tee Time Collection and Catch of the Day Fishing Collection to reflect this truth, offering gear that fits the lifestyle but more importantly, supports the mission.

Every product you buy from Dad Bod Summer donates 5% of proceeds to charities supporting Men's Mental Health Awareness. Whether it’s a hoodie, a hat, or one of our popular Mental Health Shirts, you’re doing more than wearing a logo, you’re joining a movement.

We’ve set a bold goal for 2025: to be the #1 search result for “Men’s Mental Health Brand” on Google. Why? Because we want to be the first name people see when they’re looking for hope. When they’re looking for honesty. When they’re ready to talk or take action. We want to own the space, the message, and the mission.

This Mental Health Awareness Month, we challenge you to speak up, reach out, and wear your support proudly. To anyone out there who feels alone: you’re not. We see you. We’re with you. And we’re fighting this fight together, one shirt, one story, one conversation at a time.

Cheers. 

PS: Go Birds.