20 June 2025
Writer: Jossa Corpuz
Masculinity is a standard shaped by society—one that often dictates how men should show up in the world. Men are expected to lead, provide, protect, and perform. They’re taught that strength means silence. That their value lies in their ability to endure. In every aspect of life, they’re envisioned as the ones who must take on burdens without flinching and carry them like pros—no room for weakness, no time for pause, and definitely no space to talk about how they’re feeling.
But at what cost?
For many fathers, the pressure to “keep it together” is overwhelming. They’re seen as the rock, the backbone, the steady hand. And while their strength is often praised, it becomes a trap—pushing them to suppress emotions, carry stress in silence, and downplay the struggles they face in the name of being “man enough.”
According to Mark Merrill’s blog, fathers often find it difficult to connect with their children simply because they’re physically and mentally drained from the long hours spent working to support the household. While their sacrifices are real, their exhaustion is rarely acknowledged. Over time, this emotional neglect can lead to deeper issues like chronic stress, burnout, anxiety, and even depression.
Yet, society often looks the other way.
When we talk about mental health in parenting, mothers often take center stage—and rightfully so. But fathers need support too.
The truth is, dads experience emotional highs and lows, fears, self-doubt, and mental fatigue. They worry about their role. They feel the weight of expectations. And they grieve the version of themselves that sometimes gets lost in the hustle of parenthood. Still, too often, these experiences are dismissed as “just part of being a man.”
This silence is costly—not just to fathers, but to the entire family dynamic.
Mental wellness in fathers is not a side note—it’s a cornerstone of a healthy home.
When fathers are emotionally well, they’re more likely to be present, nurturing, and attuned to their children’s needs. They’re better partners. They model healthy coping mechanisms. And they help create an environment where vulnerability isn’t feared—it’s welcomed.
But when fathers suppress their struggles, the pain leaks into every area of life: irritability, emotional detachment, addiction, or sudden outbursts can all be signs of internal battles left unspoken.
We need to start seeing mental health as a strength, not a shame.
Strength isn’t the absence of struggle—it’s the courage to face it.
Being a dad doesn’t mean being invincible. It means being human. Vulnerable. Honest. Present.
Let’s stop treating fathers like background characters in their own parenting journey. Let’s recognize their silent sacrifices, yes—but also their silent struggles. Because when fathers are mentally supported, everyone wins.
Questions:
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How do traditional expectations of masculinity affect the way fathers express—or suppress—their emotional and mental health needs?
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In what ways can society, families, and workplaces create safer spaces for fathers to talk about their struggles without fear of judgment or shame?
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How might openly supporting fathers’ mental health reshape family dynamics and the way we define strength in parenting?
