Exploring the Mental Health of Fathers
“Walk it off!” “Rub some dirt on it!” “Man up!” These are, unfortunately, some of the phrases highlighting a toxic mindset that are taught to boys from a young age. Whether explicitly or implicitly, boys are taught that if they show emotions, they are weak or “not masculine” enough. They are taught to always act tough and to not show if they are sad or upset. These harmful beliefs about how men in our culture are supposed to behave lead to fathers who struggle to acknowledge, communicate, and handle their emotions once they become fathers.
If you’re a father, whether you’re brand new to fatherhood or you have several children, and are in need of some guidance, then please read further to learn from one of our counselors at Counseling of Southwest Florida and decide if it’s time to get your mental health back on track.
New Fathers’ Mental Health
When it comes to fathers and mental health, the search for knowledge and information can often leave us empty-handed. Unfortunately, there is a wildly underwhelming lack of research and information on the topics of both men’s mental health and their well-being during the transition into a fatherhood role. The reality of the matter is that paternal mental health is a newer field of study. But what a lot of the early data does suggest is that the transition impacts a father’s mental health just as much as a mother’s.
The impact of fatherhood can result in generalized anxiety disorder, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and even post-traumatic stress disorder. It should go without saying, but all of these various conditions and disorders can make it exhausting, strenuous, and even backbreaking to put forth the effort to function either in work settings or in personal relationships, which, of course, would make it incredibly challenging for a new father to deal with a newborn baby or support the mother.
Signs of Poor Mental Health
For new fathers in particular, and for people who suffer from anxiety or depression generally, there are a number of common signs and symptoms that can arise. There could be an increase in anxiety and restlessness, as well as heightened irritability, aggressiveness, and even anger. He may start engaging in high-risk, reckless activities or develop a need for alcohol or drugs. The following is a list of additional symptoms for those experiencing depression or anxiety:
- Withdrawing and isolating from friends and loved ones
- Losing interest in hobbies and pleasurable activities
- Feeling sad, flat, hopeless, or “empty”
- Feeling very tired or having issues sleeping
- A lack of appetite or insatiable hunger
- Thoughts of suicide or suicide attempts
New fathers may feel these symptoms after delivery due to a lack of social support because they’re experiencing social isolation, feeling sleep-deprived, and the stress of being unable to soothe their baby when they’re constantly crying. Unfortunately, we circle back to the issue of men and the neglect of their mental health needs. By internalizing the idea and perception that they must be the foundation or pillar of the family, they create an untenable situation for themselves.
Contact Our Southwest Florida Counseling Center
Fatherhood can be a monumental endeavor, whether you’re venturing into fatherhood for the first time or you are a dad several times over. Getting the help you need doesn’t have to be another obstacle you have to navigate in helping raise your children.
If you feel that your struggling has reached a tipping point, you can seek the assistance and individual counseling you need. Reach out to the trained experts at Counseling of Southwest Florida and start your path to better mental health. Be sure to read some of our other blog articles to learn more about mental health, addiction, and the benefits of counseling.
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Casey is the founder and CEO of Portner Counseling Group (PCG), a counseling center in the Fort Lauderdale area, which specializes with issues related to drug and alcohol use. Casey has completed focused course work on the physiological aspects of drug addiction and human psychology, as well as received extensive training on the treatment of co-occurring disorders.