Father’s Day and Men’s Mental Health: Breaking the Silence

June 2025

Father’s Day is a time to honor the fathers and father figures who have shaped our lives. While we celebrate their contributions, it's equally important to acknowledge the mental health challenges many men face, often in silence. This Father's Day, let's shed light on men's mental health, breaking the stigma and encouraging open conversations.

The Silent Struggle

Men's mental health is a pressing issue that often goes unaddressed due to societal expectations and stigma. In the United States, nearly 16% of men reported dealing with mental disorders in 2020, yet less than half received treatment. Societal pressures often discourage men from expressing vulnerability, leading many to suffer in silence .

Fatherhood and Mental Health

Becoming a father is a significant life transition that can impact mental well-being. Approximately 1 in 10 fathers experience depression or anxiety during pregnancy or the first year postpartum. The peak onset of depression in fathers is between 3 to 6 months after the birth of a child . Despite these statistics, paternal mental health remains an understudied area, with many fathers reluctant to seek help due to stigma and lack of awareness .

Barriers to Seeking Help

Several factors contribute to men's reluctance to seek mental health support:

• Stigma: Cultural norms often equate masculinity with emotional stoicism, discouraging men from expressing feelings or seeking help .

• Lack of Awareness: Many men are unaware of the signs of mental health issues or the resources available to them.

• Limited Access: In some areas, there is a shortage of mental health professionals trained to address men's specific needs.

The Importance of Supportive Communities

Creating supportive environments where men can share their experiences is crucial. Organizations like Andy's Man Club in the UK provide peer-to-peer support groups, encouraging men to talk openly about their mental health. Their slogan, "It's okay to talk," emphasizes the importance of communication in combating mental health issues .

Taking Action This Father's Day

Here are some ways to support men's mental health:

• Open Conversations: Encourage the men in your life to talk about their feelings and experiences without judgment.

• Promote Awareness: Share information about men's mental health to break down stigma and promote understanding.

• Encourage Professional Help: Advocate for seeking professional support when needed and provide information about available resources.

• Supportive Gifts: Consider giving gifts that promote relaxation and well-being, such as books on mental health, journal sets, or subscriptions to meditation apps.

Resources

• National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)

• Mental Health America

• Andy's Man Club

References:

1. Verywell Mind. (2022). We Can't Ignore Our Dads' Mental Health. Retrieved from https://www.verywellmind.com/dads-mental-health-matters-5409299

2. Maternal Mental Health Leadership Alliance. (2024). Supporting New Fathers: An Overview of Paternal Mental Health. Retrieved from https://www.mmhla.org/articles/supporting-new-fathers-an-overview-of-paternal-mental-health-statistics-insights-and-resources

3. National Institutes of Health. (2022). Fathers' help seeking behavior and attitudes during their transition to parenthood. Retrieved from https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9542128/

4. MQ Mental Health. (2022). Father's Day, Feelings and Mental Health. Retrieved from https://www.mqmentalhealth.org/mens-health-week/

5. Andy's Man Club. (2025). About Us. Retrieved from https://andysmanclub.co.uk/

Conclusion

This Father's Day, let's honor fathers not only for their roles in our lives but also by supporting their mental well-being. By fostering open conversations and providing resources, we can help break the silence surrounding men's mental health.