This International Fathers' Mental Health Day, we’re asking the question How are you actually doing, Dad? because, so often, fathers are overlooked in mental health discussions. Nobody really asks how dads are doing.

At Parents 1st UK, we know that becoming a parent is one of life’s biggest transitions. It can bring joy, love and pride, and also fear, overwhelm, sadness and exhaustion. For many parents, these feelings can feel confusing or even frightening, especially when they don’t match the expectations of how parenthood is “supposed” to feel.

What is International Fathers’ Mental Health Day?

International Fathers' Mental Health Day (IFMHD) is a global awareness campaign that aims to raise awareness about the importance of mental health support for fathers and to promote a culture of understanding, acceptance and inclusivity. The day is observed on the Monday after Father's Day in the UK every year.

How Are You Actually Doing, Dad?

The perinatal period is a time of vulnerability for any expectant or new parent. For dads, the adjustment to parenting can include changes in roles, increased pressure managing work and family, and changes in their relationships and social life.

Here are just some of the ways that dads can be affected in the perinatal period:

Postnatal Depression in Fathers

Postnatal depression (PND) is a significant mental health concern affecting many parents, including fathers. Research suggests that paternal PND is more common than previously thought, and can have a profound impact on family dynamics, relationships and child development.

Symptoms and characteristics

Symptoms: Fathers with PND may experience symptoms such as:

• Low mood
• Irritability
• Fatigue
• Loss of interest in activities
• Changes in appetite or sleep
• Difficulty bonding with the baby
• Personality changes

Characteristics: PND in fathers can differ from maternal PND. Fathers may experience:

• Increased anxiety and worry about their role as a parent
• Feeling overwhelmed by responsibilities
• Difficulty expressing emotions due to societal expectations
• Increased substance abuse
• Changes in eating habits  
• Avoiding situations

‍OCD in New Fathers

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition that can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender or profession. While often associated with adults, OCD can also affect new fathers, having a significant impact on their mental health, relationships and overall wellbeing.

‍Symptoms and characteristics

Symptoms: New fathers with OCD may experience symptoms such as:

• Recurring and intrusive thoughts (obsessions) about the baby's health or wellbeing
• Compulsive behaviours (rituals) to alleviate anxiety or guilt
• Excessive checking or re-checking of the baby's safety or wellbeing
• Rituals or habits to maintain a sense of control or order

Characteristics: OCD in new fathers often differs from maternal OCD. New fathers may experience:

• Increased focus on the baby's health and wellbeing
• Feelings of responsibility and guilt for the baby's safety
• Difficulty expressing emotions due to societal expectations

Birth Trauma and Fathers

Birth trauma, also known as birth-related trauma, is a type of traumatic experience that can occur during the childbirth process. While often associated with mothers, birth trauma can also affect fathers, having a significant impact on their mental health, relationships and overall wellbeing.

Symptoms and characteristics

Symptoms: Fathers with birth trauma may experience symptoms such as:

• Flashbacks or intrusive memories of the traumatic event
• Avoidance of places or situations associated with the traumatic event
• Hypervigilance or increased anxiety
• Feelings of guilt, shame or self-blame

Characteristics: Birth trauma in fathers often differs from maternal birth trauma. Fathers may experience:

• Feeling disconnected from their partner during the traumatic event
• Difficulty expressing emotions due to societal expectations
• Increased responsibility for the baby's care and wellbeing

Where to Find Help and Support

If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available, and you deserve support.

Immediate Support

• If you're experiencing a mental health crisis or something that makes you feel severely unsafe, distressed, or worried about your mental health, you can contact your local crisis service in Essex by calling NHS 111 and selecting the mental health option.
• GP or Midwife – a first point of contact who can refer you to specialist perinatal mental health services
• Health Visitor – trained to support parental mental health and family wellbeing
• Support - take a look at our directory for Dads and Partners

The Other Half Hub

The Other Half Hub is a specialist resource created by Parents 1st specificaly for dads and partners who are struggling with their mental health.

Our mission is to ensure you never feel alone or overwhelmed, offering resources and peer support to help you navigate the transformative period of parenthood. Emotional fluctuations are natural, but you don't have to face them alone. The Other Half Hub is here to support you through the highs and lows, whether you're dealing with feelings of isolation, anxiety, or concerns about finances and housing.

Find out more about The Other Half Hub 

Further information:

Resources and information | IFMHD