Dadding and Mental Health

As a busy dad of 4, I learnt the hard way of the transition from partner to father. Busting the stigma and getting help is the key. Spending the day with my family and remembering my brother 5 years after he passed helped to remind of the importance of getting help.

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There are many joys and rewards that come with being a dad. Being a father is a unique and special experience that allows you to form strong bonds with your children and be a positive influence in their lives. You get to watch them grow and develop, and be there to support them as they navigate the ups and downs of life. It can also be incredibly rewarding to see your children succeed and achieve their goals, and to be able to share in their joy and happiness. Being a dad is an important and fulfilling role, and it can bring many rewards and benefits to your life.

It is important for fathers to be aware of the potential risks to their mental health and to take steps to protect themselves. Becoming a father can bring many new challenges and stressors, and it is important to be aware of these and to take steps to manage them. This may include setting aside time for self-care and relaxation, talking to friends and family members about your feelings and concerns, and seeking support from professionals if needed. It is also important to recognize the signs of mental health issues, such as persistent feelings of sadness, anxiety, or stress, and to seek help if you are experiencing these symptoms. By being proactive and taking care of your mental health, you can better support your children and be the best father you can be.

It is common for fathers to feel guilty about prioritizing their own needs and taking time for themselves. This is often because fathers are conditioned to believe that their primary role is to provide for and protect their families, and that taking time for themselves is selfish or unimportant. However, this is not true. In order for fathers to be the best possible parents and partners, they need to take care of themselves and prioritize their own well-being. This means setting aside time for self-care and relaxation, engaging in activities that bring joy and fulfillment, and seeking support when needed. By prioritizing their own well-being, fathers can be better equipped to handle the challenges of parenthood and to support their families.

Yes, being a working parent can make it difficult to find time for self-care and relaxation. The demands of work and family life can leave little time for fathers to focus on their own needs and well-being. This can lead to increased stress and burnout and can make it difficult for fathers to be present and engaged in their roles as parents and partners. It is important for fathers who are working parents to prioritize their own well-being and to make time for self-care and relaxation. This may involve setting aside specific times each day or week for self-care, delegating tasks and responsibilities to other family members, and seeking support from friends, family, or professionals when needed. By prioritizing their own well-being, working fathers can better support their families and manage the demands of work and family life.

Building a support network of professionals and social contacts is an important step for fathers to take in order to protect their mental health and well-being. Having a supportive network of people can provide fathers with the help and resources they need to manage the challenges of parenthood and to maintain their mental health. This may include friends and family members who can provide emotional support and advice, as well as professionals such as therapists or counselors who can provide guidance and support. Building a support network can also help fathers to feel less isolated and alone, and can provide a sense of community and connection. By building a support network, fathers can better manage the challenges of parenthood and take care of their own mental health and well-being.

The good news is there are foundations such as Gotcha4Life Foundation and online resources available such as Mosh that make accessing support much easier and can provide tips and pointers to help deal with new daily stressors you face as a parent.

The key here is #ittakesavillage and men are notoriously bad at asking for help. #mentalhealth can't be ignored and needs to be a priority for any man looking to keep their family life running smoothly

Shoutout to those in my village, Marina Vaxman Samantha Charlton Josh Reid Jones Lance Eerhard James McCamey Rob Whitaker and my business partner from Hoppy Cravings Nathan - who may not even realise that they are.

#menshealth #parenting #workingdads