Mental Health for Dads: How is Your Mood Affecting Your Family?
Nearly 6 million men report suffering from depression each year. But the actual number might be much higher, as research suggests depression rates in men and fathers are underestimated. Men are less likely to report typical symptoms of depression, like sadness, low mood, and loss of interest in things they used to enjoy. Men dealing with depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders may become avoidant and engage in escapism or numbing behaviors like addiction to cope with emotional distress. Since men may not access mental health support through traditional pathways, it may take a unique approach to address their needs. Let’s dive in and talk about supporting mental health for dads.
Fathers Have Unique Stressors
Fathers face many challenges due to the pressures of raising and providing for a family. New dads experience a range of emotions as they adjust to the financial realities of a growing family, or, sometimes, an unexpected pregnancy. They face increased stress as they juggle financial responsibilities and the emotional needs of their children and partner. This balancing act can easily overwhelm any father.
Mental Health and the Whole Family
A person’s mood, or perceived emotional state, directly impacts the people around them, especially those they live with. Negative moods can influence how people interpret events and set the tone for the overall environment in the home. When someone feels depressed or anxious, they may struggle to communicate and connect with others. Supporting mental health for dads, therefore, supports the well-being of the entire family.
Your Mood Affects Your Relationships
If Dad is in a negative mood, it may make others feel tense and give the impression that he is unapproachable. This can lead to feelings of confusion, guilt, and sadness for the rest of the family.
Research suggests that children, especially younger children, mimic behaviors. Kids have a front row seat to what is happening in their father’s life, and may come to believe that their way of handling pain is the right way to cope. Parents are a child’s entire world, especially in the first three years of life. Having a father in the home who struggles with mental health issues can lead to a child having behavioral problems, struggling with anger, and performing poorly in school.
Children sometimes blame themselves for their parents’ difficulties and experience anger, anxiety or guilt. Feeling embarrassed or ashamed because of the stigma associated with their parents’ mental illness, they may become more isolated from those around them. Thus, they may be at increased risk for problems at school, drug use and poor social relationships
Involved and Supported Dads Are Good for Families
Emotionally healthy and responsive dads have a lasting impact on their children’s emotional development. Mothers and fathers bring different things to the table when it comes to raising children. Fathers in particular are very good at regulating aggression; a mother typically regulates emotions such as distress and sadness. Fathers can model their own healthy coping mechanisms for their children when it comes to feelings of frustration, anger, and conflict, which is especially crucial for little boys. A father also plays a large part in a child’s self-esteem. The more time a father spends with his children, the more the child will feel a sense that they are interesting and worthy, which leads to good self-esteem later in life.
Dads with good emotional health can significantly improve their partner’s mental well-being, especially through pregnancy, postpartum, and beyond. Emotionally responsive and supportive fathers have partners who report significantly less stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms. Men with good emotional health also tend to communicate and connect better with their partners, strengthening their ability to work as a team to raise their children.
Mental Health for Dads: Tuning into Wellbeing
Fathers, your family needs you. And they need you to focus on your wellness. Here are four ways you can prioritize your mental health and be the best dad you can be.
Reach out- Don’t suffer in silence. Build a support network of friends, family, and fellow dads.
Seek support- Asking for help is a sign of strength. Seeking professional support provides reassurance and guidance during challenging times.
Connect- Spend quality time with your child. Whether you play games, go for walks, or read together, these moments strengthen your bond and create lasting memories.
Reflection- Take some time to reflect on your journey as a dad. Celebrate the victories and acknowledge and address the challenges.
Allison Paganini RN, BSN has worked as a nurse in the New England area for 9 years in Acute and Long Term care. Her skills and knowledge of medicine coupled with a lifelong passion for writing led her to pursue a career as a Health Content Writer. With a particular interest in functional and holistic medical practices, as well as nutrition. Allison is interested in writing about a multitude of different health topics as it relates to the mind-body connection and lifestyle practices that influence both mental and physical well-being. She currently works as a nurse at Emerson Hospital in Concord. She lives with her Husband Gabriel and dog Benny in Watertown, MA. She is also expecting her first child, Isabelle Marie in October 2024.