According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), one in four people will experience a mental health problem in their lifetime. Mental health problems can have a significant impact on our lives, affecting our ability to work, study and maintain relationships. They can also lead to physical health problems. Some of the identified risk factors that can affect our mental health include genetics, life experiences, stress and substance abuse. It is, therefore, imperative that adequate attention should be paid to the mental health of all individuals. But over time, the mental health of fathers has been given scant attention, as males are simply expected to ‘man up’. Who are fathers and what does it mean? Why is their mental health important?
Fatherhood
Etymologically, the word father comes from the old English word “feeder” which means he who begets a child, the nearest male ancestor. Essentially, a father is the male parent of a baby. Given legal and social considerations, six types of fathers can be considered:
Adoptive father: this is someone who has taken the responsibility of being a father through the legal process of adoption.
Biological father: this is the male genetic contributor to the creation or birth of a child through sperm donation or by the process of sexual copulation.
Stepfather: this is a person who is married to the mother of a child.
Posthumous father: this refers to a biological father who died before the birth of a child.
Surprise father: this is a man who discovers he is the father of a child he never knew he had.
Teenage father: this is a father who becomes a father when he is still a teenager.
Another type of father is the foster father, who cares for a child that is not his own by birth or by any legal means.
The social roles and responsibilities of fatherhood, regardless of the type, are major factors that determine the stability of a family. These roles have also evolved over time.
Fathers’ mental health
Becoming a father is an extremely important life event for a man. It depicts his manly fulfillment in terms of the biological process of natural reproduction as well as a heightened sense of meaning and purpose. Raising a child can be a rewarding experience, as it gives the man a sense of purpose, knowing that he is helping to shape the life of another. The experience of being a father has, in most cases, reinforced the marital relationship between a man and his parenting partner. Fatherhood is also a period characterised by growth and maturity as a man learns to develop his emotional intelligence and becomes more compassionate and responsible.
The multi-faceted range of expectations and responsibilities of fatherhood can be tasking for the emotional well-being of fathers; and conversely, their state of mental well-being also impacts the well-being of the family as well as their children. Unfortunately, the mental health of fathers has not garnered as much attention as that of mothers; perhaps due to the very clear cases of postpartum mental health challenges that are observed in females such as postpartum depression or psychosis.
Recent research indicates that men transitioning into the role of a father, especially first-time fathers, are fearful because they lack the confidence that accompanies knowledge and experience. Many such first-time fathers experience a rollercoaster of emotions, one that is defined by excessive worry, feelings of inadequacy, isolation, and abandonment.
In comparison to women, men are more often stigmatised for having mental health concerns.
Importance of a father’s mental health
A father’s mental health can affect the children’s well-being. Children of fathers with mental health problems are more likely to experience emotional problems, behavioural problems and academic problems. Furthermore, a father’s mental health can affect the family unit. When fathers are struggling with mental health problems, it can put a strain on the entire dynamics of family relationships.
Conclusion
The importance of fathers’ mental health is becoming increasingly recognised. There is growing research on fathers’ mental health and the well-being of their children and families. As we become more aware of the importance of fathers’ mental health, we can take steps to support the underrecognised emotional needs of fathers and their families.
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