In today’s society, men are often expected to be emotionally ‘strong’. This dated stereotype can often leave many dads to feel like they can’t open up.

At BSMHFT, we believe that strength comes from a place of accepting that you need help and seeking the support. Remember, it’s okay to not be okay!

In most cases, many fathers find it difficult to talk about their feelings, parenthood or their worries, instead bottling them all up inside.

You are not alone

If you are struggling with your mental health, odds are, so are your male colleagues, friends or relatives. In fact, one in four people in the world will be affected by a mental health problem at some point in their lives, yet many suffer in silence. In 2016, a survey for Men’s Health Week found that amongst men who had experienced mental health problems, 46% would be embarrassed or ashamed to tell their employer and 52% would be concerned about taking time off.

There is nothing to be ashamed of – it’s okay, to ask for help. Anybody can get mental health problems at any stage in their life, irrespective of gender, age, culture, financial status, or social background. The sooner you get help, the sooner things will start to get better.

Don’t suffer in silence

Men are less likely to access psychological therapies than women. Only 36% of referrals to NHS talking therapies are for men, yet talking about your problems is the first step to getting the right help and support that you need.

If you think that you may be becoming overly anxious or depressed, then it’s very important that you speak to your GP. Be totally honest about how you are feeling. You won’t be saying anything that they haven’t heard before and the sooner you can get some help the sooner you can start the journey back to wellness.

For urgent mental health support, please call NHS 111 and select option two.

National Mental Health Support available wherever you are

  • NHS Talking Therapies – If you’re struggling with feelings of depression, excessive worry, social anxiety or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), NHS Talking Therapies can help.
  • Birmingham Mind – It’s okay to not be okay, you can speak to a team of mental health professionals who are available 24/7. You can meet in person, message online, call or text them – it’s entirely up to you!
  • Dads Matter UK provide support for dads worried about or suffering from Depression, Anxiety and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
  • The Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) offer support to any man who is down or in crisis online, over the phone on 0800 58 58 58, or on webchat
  • OCD Action provide support and information to anybody affected by Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and work to raise awareness of the disorder amongst the public and front-line healthcare workers
  • PANDAS is a community offering peer-to-peer perinatal mental health support for both parents, using telephone, social media and email
  • MIND One dad tells his story, accompanied with links to more information and advice