Scottish fathers suffer serious mental health decline in last 18 months

Poll shows fathers have been suffering since lockdowns began in 2020 and it doesn’t look to be improving.

man mental health decline

 

A new survey from Fathers Network Scotland in October and November has revealed 37% of dads currently describe their mental health as bad or very bad, a 60% increase since the first lockdown.

Meanwhile, 69% of respondents said their mental health had deteriorated, particularly those from deprived areas.

Concern about the future has almost doubled since the second lockdown earlier this year, with managing competing demands appearing to have a significant effect.

“Workload is a big factor as I don’t have time to myself,” said one response. “Also lost my mum to cancer in April and just had a baby girl seven weeks early after a difficult pregnancy.”

Another said, “Unhappy with work and concerned for the future, plus our eldest child is learning disabled and getting help for him as he approaches adulthood is proving difficult. I’m struggling with the prospect of a lifetime of red tape and fighting for the services he needs.”

man mental health decline

Other separated fathers have serious problems with how Covid and restrictions have impacted on the time they spend with their children.

“My time with my daughter has been gradually eroded to the point that is destroying my relationship with her,” said one.

“[The] longer it goes without seeing my kids, the harder it gets,” said another.

On the plus side, 86% of those who said their mental health had deteriorated had reached out for support and got it. There was an 11% jump in the amount of dads looking for and/or receiving support online or via a helpline.





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