3 Practices to Support Dads During Mental Health Awareness Month

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. It provides a great opportunity to reflect on how you and your team can better support dads’ mental health needs.

Dads with mental health-related barriers face unique challenges in caregiving, advocacy, relationships, and navigating complex systems (e.g., health care, education, etc.).

By using the following practices, you can help strengthen their resiliency and mental health.

1. Recognize Dads' Mental Health Needs

• Studies show that dads face significant mental health challenges, including anxiety and depression, especially during transitions like new parenthood.
• Poor parental mental health can negatively impact co-parenting, partner relationships, and child development.
• Many dads report feeling overlooked by health professionals and lack tailored resources or acknowledgement for their struggles.

2. Promote Positive Coping Strategies and Self-Care

• Encourage dads to adopt healthy coping mechanisms, such as mindfulness, exercise, and seeking social support, instead of negative outlets like substance use.
• Self-care is essential. Remind dads that prioritizing their well-being helps them be better partners and parents.
• Facilitate access to support networks, workshops, and resources focused on dads’ unique experiences.

3. Foster Inclusion and Reduce Barriers to Support

• Support dads in advocating for themselves and engaging in discussions about their mental health care.
• Address barriers such as stigma (e.g., feeling embarrassed and being labeled weak-minded or crazy), lack of information, and reluctance to seek help
• Use a program like National Fatherhood Initiative’s® (NFI’s) 24:7 Dad® to empower dads with tools to manage stress and strengthen family relationships.

Supporting dads during Mental Health Awareness Month is crucial because dads play a vital role in their families’ well-being. When dads receive the support they need, it not only improves their mental health. It strengthens family relationships, enhances child development, and builds more resilient communities.

What are the most common sources of stress or mental health challenges that dads in your program face?

What types of resources or support networks could you implement to help dads feel more supported? Consider using NFI’s ProFathering15™ online program and Three Steps For Dads To Care For Their Mental Health brochure.