The Hidden Pressures of Fatherhood
Fatherhood brings joy, responsibility, and purpose — but it can also bring stress, exhaustion, and feelings of inadequacy. Many men struggle silently, believing they must stay strong for their families while quietly feeling overwhelmed.
From sleepless nights to the pressure of balancing work and parenting, fatherhood can trigger anxiety, depression, or tension in relationships. Yet men often feel excluded from support networks, which tend to focus more on mothers.
The Mental Health Impact of Parenting
The NHS (2023) estimates that around 1 in 10 new fathers experience postnatal depression, though many cases go undiagnosed. Men may also struggle with anxiety, guilt about time away from work, or resentment over lost independence.
When these feelings are bottled up, they can manifest as anger, withdrawal, or conflict at home.
Men’s Fatherhood and Parenting Counselling
Counselling provides fathers with a rare space to talk openly about the pressures of parenting. Together, we can:
- Explore the emotional challenges of becoming a father.
- Find strategies to balance work, parenting, and personal wellbeing.
- Address anxiety, low mood, or anger linked to fatherhood.
- Improve communication and connection with partners.
- Support you in building confidence in your role as a parent.
