According to the World Health Organization, 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, 6 types of fathers can be considered:
i. Adoptive father: this is someone who has taken the responsibility of being a father
through the legal process of adoption.
ii. 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.
iii. Stepfather: this is a person who is married to the mother of a child.
iv. Posthumous father: this refers to a biological father who died before the birth of a
child.
v. Surprise father: this is a man who discovers he is the father of a child he never knew he
had.
vi. 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 and 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 characterized 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, fathers’ mental health 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 stigmatized for having mental health concerns.
The Importance of the Father’s Mental Health.
Fathers’ mental health can affect their children’s well-being. Children of fathers with mental
health problems are more likely to experience emotional problems, behavioural problems, and
academic problems. Furthermore, fathers’ 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 recognized. 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
underrecognized emotional needs of fathers and their families.
Dr Jibril Abdulmalik
Tribune Article for the column “Your Mental Health & You”
Thursday, 13th July 2023
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