Working dads four times more likely to seek mental health help

Working dads are far more likely to seek mental health help than working mums.

Shock new figures found men four times more likely to access support. The findings suggest many more men than previously thought may be struggling to adapt to life as a working dad.

A growing awareness around the issue of mental health and dads getting more involved in family life are likely to be behind the figures. They point to a growing issue around supporting dads in the workplace.

The findings come from parents advice platform Parent Cloud. They offer mental health support sessions for mums and dads. Eighty per cent of sessions are booked by fathers looking for mental health help.

Isolation

“Juggling the demands of work and home life used to be something that only mothers had to cope with. As fathers step up and embrace a more active role in bringing up their children, it is a challenge they are now facing too,” said Karen Taylor, founder of Parent Cloud. No one tends to ask new fathers how they are feeling at work, which can make them feel isolated or alone, not able to share any problems they might have adjusting to their new role.”

A growing number of firms offer enhanced paternity leave and pay. However it’s increasingly clear that dads need more than just money and time off. Active support to help men come to terms with their added responsibilities and finding the right balance is key.

The workingdads.co.uk survey last year found many men feel trapped in their current role. That lack of agency is likely to negatively impact their mental health. Flexible working reduces the amount of stress parents feel according to research. Many parents in our survey also expressed an interest in having a mentor to help them share the pressures of getting on at work and being a good parent.

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• Tags:
• gender equality