International Father's Mental Health Day

21st June 2021 is International Fathers’ Mental Health Day.

What is International Fathers' Mental Health Day (IFMHD)?

Founded by paternal postpartum depression survivor Mark Williams and fatherhood mental health expert and PSI board member Dr. Daniel Singley, IFMHD involves taking the day after Father’s Day to launch a focused social media campaign which highlights key aspects of fathers’ mental health.

Why is IFMHD so important?

Postpartum Support International explains why it supports International Fathers' Mental Health Day:

Although most of us—men and women alike—are socialized to think of men as providers of support during the perinatal period and early parenthood, a wealth of research shows that 10% of new dads experience paternal postpartum depression (50% when mom is depressed!) and tend to need support of their own. However, the stigma against experiencing difficulties in early parenthood is even higher for men than for women. Society views men as stoic, self-sacrificing, and above all, strong. When men feel none of those things as new fathers, they don’t want to admit it or seek help.

How can we get involved?

On Monday 21st June, a series of blogs, stories, information and resources will be shared by charities, support groups, health professionals, and families who have experienced the impact of poor mental health in fathers.

The events are shared across social media platforms, and you can catch up with them on Twitter via #DadsMHDay.

For more information and resources for father's experiencing depression or living with a partner who is depressed, you can access the following links:

Association of Child Psychotherapists - Andrew Briggs, Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychoanalytic Psychotherapist talks about the importance of fathers, and the current challenges for fathers during the pandemic.
Postpartum Support International - A range of resources to help dads

Where else to go for support

If you have any concerns about your child/ren's mental health, you can get more information and advice by visiting chums.uk.com, the Mental Health and Emotional Wellbeing Service for Children and Young People.

You can also contact your child's class teacher to raise any mental health and well-being concerns by emailing office@owps.org.uk, using the website contact form, or emailing your child's year group (all the year group emails are listed here).

If you are concerned about your own mental health and well-being, you can read more about how to access further advice and support by clicking here to visit Mind's website.

Mind states that despite the pandemic, the NHS is still encouraging people to come forward for support with mental health and well-being, with the GP cited as the first port of call.

^{Photo by Tim Mossholder on Unsplash}