Are You A Sad Dad? Suggestions For Fathers Seeking Mental Health Help

February 24, 2012

Depression can come upon a person at the worst times. Financial woes, issues with marriage or a relationship, raising a sick child and joblessness all can contribute to a person’s unhappiness. When a father gets to this point, it becomes especially important to seek help as to not affect your children and family with your mood. Below are some of the ways fathers can combat the doldrums of depression and get themselves back on track.

• Seek Help – There are many nationwide online resources available to you such as Mental Health America and SAMHSA. These are great starting points for fathers suffering with depression as both sites offer resources and information on seeking help, including numbers of affiliate centers across the country willing to assist you.
  
  
• Church Health Ministries – If you belong to a church or live near one, inquire if they have a health ministry or discussion group for fathers dealing with mental health troubles. Many churches also offer free counseling and assistance for those in need of help with their health.
  
  
• Support Groups – There are many discussion board groups online that are safe havens for fathers to talk about what may be affecting them. Websites like Psych Central has compiled a list of popular discussion boards that deal directly with depression. This could be a good start for the reluctant father who wants to ease into getting help for his issue. If a father doesn’t feel comfortable dealing with his issues in the virtual realm, neighborhood community centers may offer discussion group programs for dads. It could be helpful to seek out these groups and join up with other dads who may feel the same things you do.
  
  
• Reach Out When You Can – If you have a good core group of friends or family, try talking with them if you feel comfortable. Family and friends are familiar to you and may be sympathetic to your issue. This could also be a moment to bond and build a tangible support team around you as you work on getting mentally healthy. A phone call, text or email contact to your trusted loved ones could end up going a long way.

Depression is a serious issue. NFI urges all fathers who are dealing with depressive symptoms to seek help immediately. There’s nothing braver than a man willing to admit he needs help at times. Help yourself and your families by taking care of your overall health.

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