As a father myself this role can be a great joy for some, but for others fatherhood can be overwhelming, challenging, and nonexistent. Regardless as to whether you are a first-time father or an experienced father there are often challenges and pressures that cannot be prevented or avoided. Did you know, 1 out of 4 children will grow up without a father in the home? Remember as you embark on this journey of fatherhood, challenges that include relationship issues, isolation, difficulty with communication, and engagement obstacles with your child may occur. We are here to help an assist you.

Let’s be honest, as men we all have some personal limitations when it comes to what the culture says about mental health. Our rigid beliefs about being a man and the difficulty to trust or open up to strangers hinders our growth. Believe it or not as a father you have an important role, don’t let you Father’s Day gift of socks fool you. Research suggest that when a healthy father is engaged and actively present, his presence radically improves the child’s confidence and social development skills. Fathers greatly influence their child’s development.

Through therapy, you can have an impactful and healthy relationship with your child(ren). We help father’s learn how to position themselves and communicate their emotions. You can overcome the negative statement “I don’t know how to be a good father, because mine wasn’t there.” “Let’s rewrite the old narrative.” Fathers who feel this way, can develop the skills to identify what is holding them back. Being phenomenal and having wellness is key to a successful legacy. Assisting boys, teens, and men is critically important. There is a gap when it comes to serving this population on the health field. Alpha-males, athletes and even emotionally shutdown men need support, resources, and accountability.

Are you feeling lost and uncertain about the way your life is going? Do you suffer from anxiety or depression? Do you wish you had someone to talk to but are afraid that asking for help isn’t “the manly thing to do?”

While traditionally men have not been the ones to seek out therapy, that doesn’t mean they haven’t had reason to. For example, according to a recent Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) survey, the number of men who seek treatment for mental health issues is significantly lower than the number of women with the same mental health concerns.

Why is this?

From a young age, men are taught rigid masculinity – that is to be strong and to keep their emotions in check. This often leads to many men feeling isolated, anxious, and depressed. The very emotions they should seek help for, they stuff down and “go it alone.” Bearing their emotional pain seems a better idea than opening themselves up to the stigma of seeking therapy.

What are some of those most common mental health issues plaguing men?

• Substance abuse – Men are far more likely to abuse alcohol and drugs.
• Economic factors – Unemployment rates have skyrocketed, and many men sadly tie their worth or value to being the breadwinner.
• Bullying – Many young men are victims of bullying.
• Relationship issues – Believe it or not, studies have shown that men rely more on their partners for emotional support than women do. This can make relationship problems particularly hard to deal with.
• Challenges related to fatherhood – While it can be a great source of joy, fatherhood can also cause stress and anxiety, particularly for new fathers.

There is no denying that mental health issues manifest differently in men than in women, resulting in many going completely ignored and untreated. Often men minimize or don’t recognize their own emotional pain. This results in them bottling up their emotions, which often leads to a manifestation of a physical disease or illness, such as high blood pressure or heart disease.

If you or someone you love is struggling with mental health issues and would like to explore treatment options, please be in touch with me. There is no stigma in seeking help, only relief from the burdens you are currently carrying alone.