The Vamps: James Brittain-McVey EP takes on mental health

The Vamps’ James Britten-McVeigh says he wants to use his solo music career to encourage men to talk about mental health.

The 29-year-old has previously opened up about his experience with body dysmorphia, which was covered on his debut EP Manabi.

“It’s important to recognize how deep-rooted these problems can be,” he told BBC Newsbeat.

His first gig is supporting mental health charity Mind’s Music On Our Minds series.

“I’ve been talking a lot about mental health and I’ve been a big advocate for people, especially men, talking about mental health,” James says.

The singer and guitarist also said that mental health is an “integral theme” in his songwriting.

He says that songs like ‘Dancing On The Head Of A Needle’ on his new EP refer to a time last year when he was struggling with mental health issues, and that ‘Dance or Die’ “I’m trying to express my lingering discomfort.”

“You’re either feeling incredibly high or incredibly low, and there’s no middle ground,” he says.

“It still affects me. I’d say it’s been a pretty intense struggle for 10 years to control my eating and develop obsessive fitness habits,” he says.

“And it takes a long time to try to gradually unlearn and recalibrate your perception of your own body and what a truly healthy lifestyle in moderation looks like. It took.”

But for James, one of his biggest accomplishments is getting more men in his life to share their experiences with mental health.

“I’ve seen a visible change in men reaching out to me, telling me how they’re feeling, and bringing me into the fold if they’re struggling,” he says.

“I think that’s what it’s all about. That’s kind of the key to success for me.”

Umaira Malik, clinical advice co-ordinator at eating disorders charity Beat, said it was important for men like James to share their stories because “anyone can be affected”. talk.

She says it’s important for anyone who thinks they’re suffering from an eating disorder to seek help as soon as possible.

Umayra also recommends starting a discreet conversation if you’re worried about a loved one.

“We know that the sooner you receive treatment, the sooner you can make a full recovery,” she says.

“And getting to that point often requires a conversation.”

James says it’s important to talk to loved ones and friends because “it’s really hard to deal with these things on your own.”

“I’m never at the point where I feel like my mental condition is completely healed or resolved,” he says.

“The big thing I learned was remembering that life and mental health are not linear or predictable.

“It’s about learning how to navigate the twists and turns and being in tune with yourself.”