How Supporting Your Mental Health Makes You a Better Dad
This is a contributed post.
Being a dad is the most meaningful role a man will ever have. Many men are breaking down generational barriers by striving to find ways to be better fathers. An important realization is that having better mental health can help you achieve this.
Being a dad is demanding. Society expects you to be a provider, a role model and a problem-solver. Meanwhile, you are expected to take a greater role as a caregiver than ever before while still being a steady emotional presence.
Most men find pride in these responsibilities but it can be a lot to take on. If you’re not careful, it means your own mental health can be neglected. Here you’ll see why supporting your mental health is one of the most responsible things you can do as a father.
Why Your Mental Health Matters More Than You Think
Mastering your own mental health will have a direct positive impact on your children. Due to its importance, it’s no surprise that many parents get inspired to pursue education pathways such as online clinical mental health counseling degrees to turn their passion into professional guidance. Even without a formal education, it’s important to know how your own mood can impact your children.
As a man, you may be content with the idea of sacrifice. If your mental health suffers, that’s okay as long as your children are happy. The reality never has to be like that. When in the right headspace, you are going to be more patient, present and emotionally available. This can help to guide children through their own emotions.
No matter how hard you try, poor mental health can make regular parenting challenges unmanageable. It’s hard to give your all to your children if you are feeling constantly physically and mentally exhausted.
There is a common saying that “you can’t pour from an empty cup”. It essentially means that you can’t give anything if there is nothing to give. If your emotional tank is empty, you simply can’t be the father you want to be.
Modeling Emotional Strength for Your Children
You want to be a role model for your children. You may not realize it but you are teaching children every day how to handle emotions by the way you live your life. If you suppress emotions and avoid difficult conversations, they may think that’s the right way to deal with challenges.
By actively supporting your mental health, you are actively supporting a healthier way of emotional control. Crucial skills such as mindfulness can be openly shared with its well-known benefits highlighted to anyone interested.
Children need to know that it’s normal to have big feelings, to talk about challenges and ask for help if needed. This doesn’t mean you need to share adult problems with your little ones. It means being a role model for healthy emotional regulation and coping strategies.
One crucial fact many men are realizing is that strength is not about pretending everything is fine. Real strength is having the courage to admit that it’s not. Being open about feelings will not only improve their emotional intelligence but it can also deepen the bond you have with your child.
Practical Ways You Can Support Your Own Mental Health
Improving your mental health doesn’t mean making drastic changes. It’s also realizing that it’s pointless to chase perfection. Instead, it’s about finding what works for you so that you can keep that proverbial cup full.
Talking is often the foundation for strong mental health. Speaking to a counsellor or other mental health professional can be life-changing but that’s far from your only port of call. Opening up to friends or your partner can be liberating. If that’s not feasible, there are likely many online and in-person groups you can contact.
Everyone is different but it’s good to add some consistency to your routine. For some, that may be taking a 10-minute walk every day, for others, it may be journaling. Having these daily wins can improve your emotional resilience, allowing you to give more to your kids.
Appreciating that you deserve happiness is also vital. It’s not selfish to do things just for yourself. The more happiness that you have in your life, the more happiness you’ll have to spread to those around you.
How Supporting Yourself Strengthens the Whole Family
There is a famous poem by John Donne that states that “no man is an island”. It’s a beautiful way of saying that our emotions don’t exist in isolation. When you are struggling, it affects everyone around you, no matter how much you try not to let it.
Children will benefit from seeing emotionally healthy adults and relationships. They will also benefit from a father who will be able to better engage in family life with less stress.
There will still be bad days but with the right approach, you’ll realize these won’t define you as a father or person. If you invest in your mental health, the returns will be a dad who is able to give even more to the ones they love most.
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