A personal message from Dave, founder of Man Beard Co.
Let’s get something straight right out of the gate: this isn’t your average brand blog post.
This is personal.
If you’ve been a customer of Man Beard Co. for a while, you probably noticed we went dark for a bit. And by “a bit,” I mean almost three years. No social posts, no emails, no product drops. Just silence.
There’s a reason for that. And you deserve to hear it.
The Breakdown I Didn’t See Coming
About four years ago, I started noticing something wasn’t right. I was slipping into depression. I didn’t like the person I was becoming. And soon enough, suicidal thoughts started showing up more and more.
That’s when I knew something had to change.
What I didn’t realize back then was that I had been carrying around 15 years of untreated PTSD. I wasn’t even in the VA system yet—that avoidance was part of the PTSD, too. But once I finally started the VA disability process, the trauma I had buried deep started rising fast.
To make matters harder, I lost my father during that time. It was the final push that made me step back entirely from Man Beard Co. I needed help. Real help. And with the support of friends and family, I reached out to VA mental health.
The Climb Back
The VA got me set up with a team of two psychologists and a therapist. I began group therapy, and started a 24-week program called Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)—a deep-dive into trauma and the tools to manage it.
My lead psychologist understood something important: I didn’t want to be medicated into a fog. He found a med that helped with depression without taking away my ability to function—and made it clear that the hard work would still come through therapy.
And he was right.
The tools I’ve gained through CPT, combined with the right support and mindset, changed everything. There are also VA mental health apps and online resources that are incredibly helpful, especially when the days feel heavier than usual.
And for any Veterans reading this:
If you're not getting the care you deserve—say something. You can ask for a new provider. You can talk to your VA Patient Advocate. The system only works when you advocate for yourself. You’re not being a burden—you’re taking control of your life.
What I Wish I Had Known Sooner
I wish someone had told me—really told me—that it’s okay to not be okay.
That men can ask for help. That strength isn’t pretending you’re fine—it’s knowing when to reach out. PTSD blinded me to the people who cared, who wanted to help, who wanted me to succeed. I see them now. And I’m thankful I didn’t wait any longer.
Success for me doesn’t look like perfection.
It looks like waking up and getting through each day using the tools I’ve worked hard to build.
My therapist has a phrase I come back to often:
“Life is always going to be life.”
We don’t control the storms—but we can learn how to weather them.
Man Beard Co. Is Still Here. So Am I.
There was a moment when I thought about shutting it all down.
Closing Man Beard Co.
Letting it go.
But I realized this brand—this community—is part of my healing. And maybe, just maybe, it could be part of someone else’s too.
Since then, we’ve grown. We even launched a new brand built for all men, not just bearded ones—Overholt Supply Co. is more than a store. It’s a place where you can hang out, have a glass of whiskey, talk about life, or just breathe for a bit.
If you're ever in Castroville, stop in. Let's talk.
If you're not local, shoot me a message or an email. I'm not a therapist—but I know the road you're walking, and I’m proof that there’s a way through.
Don’t Stay There
I'll leave you with this:
It’s okay to not be okay. But it’s not okay to live there.
There are resources out there—for Veterans and civilians alike. The VA saved my life. If you're a vet, start there.
If you’re not, there are incredible national and local programs, support groups, and therapists ready to help.
And if the help you’re getting isn’t working—speak up. Don’t carry that weight in silence.
You deserve support. You deserve healing. And you’re not alone in this.
Stay strong.
Stay bearded.
And when you’re ready—punch the bear.
—Dave
Founder, Man Beard Co.
Veteran. Maker. Still standing.