June 21st, 2023, is International Fathers’ Mental Health Day. On this day, a number of campaigns take place, each seeking to bring awareness to the mental health and well-being issues that can affect fathers. 

There are a number of ways in which fatherhood can impact the health of men who have children but, unlike women, men must deal with many of these issues, such as paternal postpartum depression, while continuing to deal with the societal pressures and expectations of masculinity. These expectations can lead men to conform to traditional displays of strength, stoicism, and self-sacrificing, which can cause a number of internal conflicts when fathers are also experiencing paternal health issues.

Fathers are susceptible to a number of mental health disorders. 1 in 10 fathers experience depression or anxiety following the birth of their child. This postpartum depression can, if left untreated, develop into more generalised depression, as well as a range of other mental health disorders. Figures for male postpartum depression also increase when mothers experience mental health issues too, with 50% of fathers likely to experience depression alongside mothers with depressive symptoms.  62% of fathers also feel like their own mental health issues affect their ability to form a positive connection with their children.

Considering that men continue to be far more likely to commit suicide, with the highest rates in the UK being among those aged between 40 and 49 years, it is crucial that the mental health of fathers is more generally considered. Men are less likely to seek support for their mental health issues with only 36% of NHS referrals for mental health issues being male.  Yet, despite this, men are three times more likely to die by suicide than women.

Symptoms of depression in men can include elements of anger, aggression, and increased risk-taking. Men are also more likely to experience drug and alcohol addiction, using them to cope with depressive feelings as an alternative to seeking help. This behaviour is a form of escapism, being unwilling or feeling unable to deal with negative emotions and ill health. Other forms of escapist behaviour can include hyper-fixation or an extreme focus on another aspect of life, such as professional obligations. 

International Fathers’ Mental Health Day seeks to bring greater awareness to the psychological issues surrounding fatherhood. Each year, a number of various initiatives and events are hosted to promote the discussion of these issues and to help create a wider platform and opportunity for fathers to talk about their mental health.

If you are concerned about your own mental health, there are a number of steps that can be employed to protect your well-being, as described by the Mental Health Foundation:

• Getting closer to nature 
• Understand and manage feelings
• Talk to someone you trust
• Be wary of drug and alcohol usage
• Consider financial obligations
• Increase or improve sleep 
• Eat healthy food
• Plan activities to look forward to

By implementing or considering these steps in daily life, individuals are more likely to protect their mental health. Improving and strengthening mental health in such a way will not only benefit fathers but also their children who will look to form relationships with their parents and build their own mental health upon the very same foundations.

If you would like to discuss your mental health or seek help for fatherhood-related well-being concerns, there are a number of options available. Alongside national mental health services, such as those offered by the NHS, there are also options for therapy in Bristol. At Bristol Counselling and Psychotherapy, our counsellors offer support for a wide range of mental health issues, creating safe spaces for individuals to discuss and work through their problems without judgement.

To talk to us or to arrange an initial consultation, please email hello@bristolcounsellingandpsychotherapy.co.uk or, alternatively, call 07751 271709.