Experts urge fathers to prioritize mental health for family’s sake

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Experts are urging families to pay closer attention to the mental well-being of fathers, a factor increasingly linked to child development and long-term family health.

A study recently published in JAMA Pediatrics found that mental distress in fathers is associated with developmental challenges in their children, particularly during the early years of life.

Jaren Doby, MSW, LCSW with Novant Health, says children are constantly observing and mirroring behaviors they see at home.

“Children are like sponges,” Doby said. “They’re learning every day from us how to cope with things, how to express themselves emotionally, when not to say certain things.”

The influence of a father’s mental health doesn’t stop in early childhood. Mental Health advocate Fonda Bryant said stress often increases as children enter school and daily responsibilities shift.

“Getting them to school, picking them up, or are they going to go to after care or day care? That’s another big adjustment,” Bryant said.

Experts warn that many fathers struggle in silence, often due to the stigma surrounding men’s mental health. This can prevent them from seeking help, a barrier both Bryant and Doby say needs to be broken.

“It’s important to speak up and speak out,” Doby said. “Men can find strength in being able to express themselves and getting professional help.”

Bryant says men must admit when they’re struggling. 

“Real strength is saying, ‘I’m going to get the help,’ and putting in the work every day,” she said. “It’s not a sign of weakness, it’s a sign of strength.”

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