In a compelling call to action, Deborah Da Costa, Ph.D., Associate Professor at the Department of Medicine, McGill University, and Scientist at McGill University Health Centre, underscores the critical need to address fathers’ mental health and involvement during the perinatal period.
Statistics reveal that up to 1 in 10 fathers grapple with mental health difficulties during their partner’s pregnancy and the first year following childbirth. Notably, depression emerges as one of the most prevalent challenges for fathers during this crucial life stage. Recognizing the signs of depression in men requires a gender lens, as they may manifest symptoms differently than women, exhibiting withdrawal, physical symptoms, substance abuse, irritability, and anger outbursts.
Various factors contribute to the risk of poor mental health outcomes for fathers during the transition to parenthood, including a history of mental health issues, financial stress, low social support, poor sleep quality, relationship dissatisfaction, and partner psychological distress. Da Costa emphasizes the modifiable nature of many of these factors, advocating for early interventions to prevent mental health problems and enhance emotional well-being in fathers.
Untreated mental health difficulties in fathers during the perinatal period have far-reaching consequences for the father, partner, and child, impacting child development into adolescence. Despite the prevalence and negative impacts, fathers’ mental health remains under-studied, under-recognized, and under-treated.
Da Costa points out that societal norms, particularly patriarchal masculinities, can negatively affect men’s mental health, hindering access to mental healthcare and gender-sensitive resources. The evolving expectations for fathers, including increased involvement in childcare, can lead to excess parenting stress, low confidence, worry, and guilt. Lack of role models further compounds these challenges.
Fathers’ involvement during pregnancy is identified as a pivotal factor influencing child development across various dimensions. Da Costa emphasizes the need to foster father involvement during the antenatal period to optimize maternal health, establish positive father-infant involvement patterns, and support healthy child development.
The author calls for a societal shift to facilitate father involvement, normalizing parenting challenges for both parents. Public health messaging, especially through platforms frequented by men, should promote good fathering practices, self-care, and mental health resources. Financially accessible resources and improved paternity leave policies are essential steps to support fathers, particularly those facing vulnerabilities and obstacles in their parenting journey.
In conclusion, Da Costa asserts the necessity of understanding and valuing fathers equitably across diverse parenting constellations. Her research program aims to champion this cause, advocating for fathers’ well-being and involvement in the broader discourse of parenting support systems.
