Latest news with #paternalmentalhealth
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Dad's mental health in the first two years has a lasting impact on kids, new study shows
When we think about early childhood development, we often focus on milestones, sleep routines, and the emotional bond between mother and baby. But new research reminds us: the mental health of fathers in those first two years plays a critical—and often overlooked—role, too.A recent meta-analysis published in JAMA Pediatrics, which examined 84 studies involving thousands of fathers and children, found a clear link between paternal mental well-being and a child's emotional, cognitive, and social development. The effects were most pronounced in early childhood—an especially sensitive window for growth. For many mothers, these findings validate something they've long sensed: a partner's emotional state can shape the energy of the entire household. When one parent is silently struggling, it can shift the emotional rhythm of the entire household—including the littlest members of the family. Researchers found that paternal distress—including anxiety, depression, and chronic stress—was strongly associated with outcomes like emotional dysregulation, cognitive delays, and social difficulties in children. These patterns held true across infancy, toddlerhood, and the preschool years. The takeaway? Prioritizing dad's mental health isn't just good for him—it's good for kids, too. Related: This viral TikTok captures what it's like to parent through exhaustion and mental health struggles Mental health struggles don't always look the same in men as they do in women, especially in the postpartum period. But experts identify several subtle yet telling symptoms, particularly among fathers, that can help partners recognize when to reach out: Emotional withdrawal or irritability: Some men express depression or anxiety as anger or emotional distance. Loss of interest in activities they once enjoyed: A sudden disinterest in hobbies, social outings, or time with the kids can be a red flag . Trouble sleeping or persistent fatigue not tied to parenting: Disrupted sleep patterns—either insomnia or excessive sleeping—along with chronic tiredness are common symptoms in dads . Avoiding time with the kids: Pulling away from family activities or physical presence, even when home, may indicate emotional overload. Verbalizing feelings of failure or hopelessness: Expressions of feeling 'empty,' 'worthless,' or consumed by self-doubt are important cues. If you notice these signs in a partner, start with a compassionate conversation. Let them know you see them—and that getting help isn't about being broken. It's about being supported. Meeting with a therapist or primary care provider can help dads access tools to manage their mental load. 'The association between paternal mental illness and poorer child development was robust,' researchers concluded, highlighting the importance of early intervention. Related: The 'mental health walk' that wasn't: this mom's viral tiktok is our collective parenting nightmare These trusted resources are a good place to start: Postpartum Support International offers a dedicated helpline for dads. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) has support groups and local resources. Pediatricians and family doctors can also provide referrals for mental health screenings and therapy. When we support dads in the first two years, we're investing in the emotional well-being of the entire family. Because no parent should be expected to show up fully for their child while silently struggling. The more we normalize emotional transparency and shared mental load, the stronger our families become. Sources: 'Father's Mental Health in First Two Years May Influence Child Development, Study Finds.' June 2025. JAMA Pediatrics. Father's Mental Health in First Two Years May Influence Child Development, Study Finds. 'Men and Mental Health.' 2024. National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). Men and Mental Health. 'Male depression: Understand the signs.' 2024. Mayo Clinic. Male depression: Understand the signs. 'Fathers and Families.' 2025. Fathers Mental Health Alliance. Fathers and Families. 'Help for Dads.' 2025. Postpartum Support International. Help for Dads.
Forbes
13-06-2025
- Health
- Forbes
How To Help New Fathers Deal With Sleep Deprivation
(Original Caption) Man waking up to alarm clock. Undated Photograph. BPA2# 1121 When we talk about new parents and sleep deprivation, the spotlight typically shines on mothers. And rightfully so: postpartum recovery, breastfeeding schedules, and hormonal shifts create a perfect storm of sleepless nights for new moms. But, the lesser known issue is the ways in which sleep deprivation impacts new fathers. While mothers navigate the immediate physical and biological demands of caring for a newborn, fathers experience what experts call the "residual effect" of sleep disruption. It's not just about being tired, but research reveals that this sleep deprivation has serious implications for fathers' overall health and wellbeing, creating a ripple effect that touches every aspect of their lives. A systematic review published in February 2022 examined research into the effects of children's sleep patterns (up to age 12) on fathers' health and wellbeing. The findings were clear: when children are poor sleepers, it directly results in poorer health and wellbeing among dads. This isn't just correlation, but a documented cause-and-effect relationship that deserves serious attention. What makes this particularly challenging is that sleep disruption significantly increases the risk of developing anxiety, depression, and paternal postnatal depression (PPND). Up to 25% of new fathers develop PPND, a staggering statistic that highlights just how widespread this issue has become. For context, this compares to the "baby blues" that affect up to 80% of new mothers, though the experiences differ in important ways. BERLIN, GERMANY - AUGUST 13: Symbolic photo on the subject of migraines and headaches. A man rubs ... More his aching head with his hand on August 13, 2024 in Berlin, Germany. (Photo Illustration by Ute Grabowsky/Photothek via Getty Images) According to Meg O'Leary, sleep expert and founder of A Restful Night, "Both parents are typically sleep deprived in the beginning, even though their experiences postpartum are fundamentally different." She points to a particularly modern dilemma: "It's common to see fathers navigating delayed (or even no) paternity leave. This leaves dad the impossible task of focusing at work with very little sleep, but also managing the guilt of having a partner at home caring for the baby solo." This creates an exhausting psychological tug-of-war. New fathers often feel pulled in opposite directions, with their duty to their family and their job feeling at conflict with each other. Unlike mothers who may have maternity leave to adjust to their new reality, many fathers are expected to maintain their professional performance while operating on minimal sleep. Perinatal Mental Health Treatment Specialist Marilyn Cross Coleman offers additional insight into how fathers' sleep challenges differ from mothers': "Many new dads face sleep challenges that are like those new moms experience but differ in important ways. New moms have a different biological response to their babies due to shifts in postpartum hormones, the demands of breastfeeding and default caregiving responsibilities, while new dads often experience sleep deprivation that's more erratic." The unpredictability factor cannot be understated. While new parents often attempt to "tag team" night feedings, Coleman notes that "it often lacks a consistent rhythm making sleep unpredictable." This erratic pattern can be more psychologically taxing than consistent sleep deprivation because the body and mind never know what to expect. AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND - OCTOBER 18: Safe in the loving arms of his Dad, David Snook, onemonth old ... More baby boy Zane Flavell is recovering from Whooping Cough in Middlemore Hospital. On the bed his 13month old brother Marley is fast HERALD. (Photo by) Perhaps most poignantly, Coleman also observes how new dads feel excluded from the bond that mothers have with their new infants. While parenting an infant is generally intuitive for new moms, it can be less-so with dads, which may lead to increased stress and disrupted sleep for dads. What to Expect parenting experts note that new fathers commonly experience emotional exhaustion and feeling run-down due to sleep deprivation. The symptoms can manifest in various ways, including persistent decreased mood or irritability, decreased ability to function at work, inability to be present with their baby or partner, postpartum insomnia, and chronic physical symptoms like headaches or gastrointestinal upset. The good news is that there are effective strategies to help new fathers get better rest. The most effective approach involves sharing night duties by taking turns with wake-ups, diaper changes, and feeding (using expressed milk or formula once breastfeeding is established), while practicing good sleep hygiene with a dark, quiet bedroom and avoiding screens before bed. (Original Caption) 1/2/1953-New York, NY- A retailing store of singular distinction is the Lewis & ... More Conger Sleep Shop. An insomniac's paradise, the shop is the only one of its kind in the world, selling items devoted exclusively to wooing comfort in bed and good old sleep. Television comic Wally Cox, who is sometimes troubled with uneasy slumberings (even as you and I), was caught trying out some of the newest bedtime innovations. Photo shows: Wally Cox catches up on some pertinent readings while wearing an electric facial mask that soothes aches and pains with gentle heat. His head rests on a neck pillow that props and supports the head for reading at a good angle. Don't underestimate the power of accepting help. When family members or friends offer to watch the baby, take them up on it and use that time to nap. Consider practical adjustments like moving the bassinet to your bedroom for shorter night trips. O'Leary recommends strategic napping: "When overnight sleep is broken, try to squeeze a nap in during the day - even if it's just once. Short daytime rest helps buffer against full exhaustion. This is a chance to brush up on your sleep hygiene too, take advantage of tools like white noise and blackout shades as you implement them for your baby!" The other obvious ways to improve sleep include no caffeine after a certain time (no matter how tempting it may be!). Apps like BetterSleep can provide guided support to manage stress and help with deep breathing exercises that are a good starting point. New fathers should seek professional help if sleep disturbances occur alongside warning signs like persistent mood changes, inability to function effectively at work or home, or new physical symptoms. As Coleman notes: "While more resources are becoming available for new fathers, they often remain underutilized. Many perinatal mental health professionals are trained to treat new dads, and there are many who specialize in paternal mental health. Postpartum Support International (PSI) offers several virtual support groups for new dads, often at no or low cost." For additional support, books like "The New Father: A Dad's Guide to the First Year" by Armin Brott are often found helpful and easy to digest for new fathers navigating this challenging transition. The journey of new fatherhood doesn't have to be suffered in silence. By acknowledging the real impact of sleep deprivation on fathers and implementing practical strategies for better rest, new dads can better support both themselves and their families during this transformative time.
