Understanding Fathers' Mental Health: A Critical Aspect of Family Well-Being

Fatherhood is often celebrated as a joyous occasion, but the mental health challenges faced by fathers—particularly during the perinatal period—are frequently overlooked. Research indicates that fathers are susceptible to mental health issues such as depression and anxiety, which can significantly impact their well-being and the development of their children.

The Prevalence and Impact of Paternal Mental Health Issues

Studies have shown that approximately 9% of fathers report experiencing psychological distress during the early years of their children's lives, a rate higher than the general male population . These mental health challenges are not only detrimental to fathers but also to their partners and children. For instance, fathers' mental health has been linked to children's emotional development, with paternal depression associated with increased risks of internalizing and externalizing behaviors in children .pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.govpubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Dr. Darby Saxbe, a clinical psychologist at the University of Southern California, emphasizes the importance of understanding the biological and psychological changes fathers undergo during the transition to parenthood. Her research indicates that "men's brains change across the transition to parenthood in ways that track with their parenting investment and mental health" .en.wikipedia.org

Factors Contributing to Fathers' Mental Health Challenges

Several factors contribute to the mental health challenges fathers face:

• Sleep Deprivation: New fathers often experience disrupted sleep patterns, which can exacerbate feelings of stress and anxiety.

• Role Transition: Adjusting to the responsibilities of fatherhood can lead to identity changes and emotional strain.heraldsun.com.au+1pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov+1

• Social Isolation: Many fathers report a lack of social support, which can lead to feelings of loneliness and depression .pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Dr. Tova Walsh and Dr. Craig Garfield, researchers in the field of perinatal mental health, highlight the need for inclusive approaches that recognize fathers' roles in family health. They argue that "fathers occupy a dual role in the realm of perinatal mental health: partner and parent," and that addressing fathers' mental health is crucial for the well-being of the entire family .healthaffairs.org

The Importance of Support and Intervention

Addressing fathers' mental health requires proactive support and intervention. Integrating paternal mental health screenings into routine prenatal and postnatal care can help identify issues early. Additionally, providing resources such as counseling and support groups tailored for fathers can alleviate feelings of isolation and promote healthier family dynamics.homestartwandsworth.org.uk

As Dr. Saxbe notes, understanding the hormonal and psychological changes fathers experience can inform better support strategies. She suggests that "testosterone levels in new fathers are associated with both their own and their partners' postpartum depressive symptoms," indicating the interconnectedness of parental mental health .en.wikipedia.org

Conclusion

Fathers' mental health is a critical component of family well-being that warrants greater attention and support. By recognizing and addressing the mental health challenges fathers face, we can foster healthier families and communities.

Available for New Appointments

If you're a father seeking support or guidance regarding mental health, Landon Sherriff is currently accepting new appointments. Reach out today to take the first step toward improved well-being and stronger family connections.

References

• Saxbe, D., Rossin-Slater, M., & Goldenberg, D. (2017). Cortical volume reductions in men transitioning to first-time fatherhood reflect both parenting engagement and mental health risk. Cerebral Cortex, 27(5), 2287–2294. https://doi.org/10.1093/cercor/bhw080

• Walsh, T. B., & Garfield, C. F. (2024). Perinatal mental health: Father inclusion at the local, state, and national levels. Health Affairs, 43(4), 567–574. https://doi.org/10.1377/hlthaff.2023.01459

• Australian Institute of Family Studies. (2022). Father mental health during the early parenting period: Results of an Australian population-based longitudinal study. Australian & New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry, 56(3), 238–246. https://doi.org/10.1177/00048674221104567

• Saxbe, D. E., Repetti, R. L., & Adam, E. K. (2015). For better or worse? Coregulation of couples' cortisol levels and mood states. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 108(1), 1–15. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0038032

• D'Onofrio, B. M., & Lahey, B. B. (2010). Life course and developmental influences on the mental health of fathers. Development and Psychopathology, 22(2), 497–510. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0954579410000143

• Australian Institute of Family Studies. (2022). How new dads can protect their mental health. Herald Sun. https://www.heraldsun.com.au/health/mental-health/deakin-university-study-reveals-firsttime-dads-struggle-with-parenthood/news-story/9ab0237af75e22c19c42cd3dcd153f37

• Postpartum Support International. (2024). Postpartum depression: Studies show that fathers suffer too. Le Monde. https://www.lemonde.fr/en/science/article/2024/04/02/postpartum-depression-studies-show-that-fathers-suffer-too_6667099_10.html

• Australian Institute of Family Studies. (2022). If you're a man, you need to see this. News.com.au. https://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/real-life/news-life/1-in-3-men-admit-to-committing-intimate-partner-violence-new-national-study-finds/news-story/85717623594f6e3945194ceddb5c8ce5

• Michigan's Thumb. (2025). Men's Mental Health Month highlights stigma and need for support. Michigan's Thumb. https://www.michigansthumb.com/news/article/men-s-mental-health-month-focuses-stigma-20362557.php

• Australian Institute of Family Studies. (2022). Men's shed. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Men%27s_shed

• Australian Institute of Family Studies. (2022). Michael Lamb (psychologist). Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Lamb_%28psychologist%29

• Australian Institute of Family Studies. (2022). Brian D'Onofrio. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brian_D%27Onofrio

• Australian Institute of Family Studies. (2022). Exploration of fathers’ mental health and well-being concerns during the transition to fatherhood, and paternal perinatal support: Scoping review. PubMed Central. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11574476/