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More than six million men suffer fromdepressioneach year.
They experience loss of interest in work and other activities, irritability, fatigue, and feelings of worthlessness.
However, men are less likely to receive a mental health diagnosis than women.
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Whats important to understand, is that men are no different from women, children, grandparents, whomever.
They suffer mental health issues; they just dont talk about it as much.
With men in particular, with fathers even more, theres a tremendous amount of responsibility, she adds.
Society often misses the mark in helping men, and dads in particular, deal with mental health struggles.
We take a look at how we culturally approach mental health in fathers, and what needs to change.
In addition topressuresoutside the home with work and community obligations, dads also juggle family duties.
Historically, the mandate for men who are struggling is to “man up.”
This carries the connotation of not showing emotion and burying their feelings instead.
It also perpetuates the thought of weakness in a man who expresses pain.
With dads, it not only impacts his own life, but also his children’s lives.
It can lead to a child having behavioral problems, struggling with anger, and performing poorly in school.
A parents decision on how to handle their own problems dictates how it will impact the child.
Solutions and Resources
Experts say the tide is changing regarding mental health and getting treatment.
Thepandemicled to an increased awareness of various mental health struggles, which has increased awareness of available resources.
Men also need to make self-care a priority.
Thats something that unfortunately has not been prioritized enough.
Mental health is for everyone.
Taking care of your mental health is the same as taking care of your physical health.
Its an important, integral part of your well-being.
As fathers get the help that they need, their families should support and encourage them.
It will benefit not only dad, but the family as a whole.
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National Institute of Mental Health.Mental illness.
Prim Health Care Res Dev.
2018;19(1):96-98. doi:10.1017/S146342361700041X
