Fatherhood and Mental Health
We hope you all had a wonderful Father's Day weekend! In honor of this special time of year when we celebrate the fathers and father figures in our lives, we want to discuss some mental health challenges these men face and the best ways to overcome them.
Mental Health Challenges for Fathers
1 Thessalonians 2:11-12 (ESV) says, "For you know how, like a father with his children, we exhorted each one of you and encouraged you and charged you to walk in a manner worthy of God, who calls you into his own kingdom and glory." Fathers are often a source of encouragement for their children. They also lead their children by being an example while providing for their physical and mental well-being.
Unfortunately, not many fathers take care of themselves as faithfully as they do their children. Men tend to face all kinds of pressure, from societal expectations teaching men not to show emotions, to financial stress, to navigating being a first-time dad. However, despite all these pressures and expectations, only 60% of men who are depressed seek out treatment.
When men don't pursue treatment for mental health issues, it can have severe ramifications for themselves and their families. Men are four times more likely to commit suicide than women, and depression and suicide are among the leading causes of death in men in the United States. In addition, when a father is depressed, the risk factor for their children to develop a mental health disorder doubles.
How Fathers Can Take Care of Their Mental Health
Fathers can take care of their mental health by:
Seeking out male mentors within the church or among friends and family
Going to counseling
Using stress management apps such as PTSD Coach
Fatherhood can be stressful, but it should never be fatal. Don't let stigma get in the way of seeking mental health treatment; set yourself up for success as a father by addressing your mental health struggles.
Nicole Alfonso, LMHC, speaks with Erik Williams, Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern, and Israel Kreps, Wellspring Champion and CEO of Kreps PR and Marketing