Verywell Mind Survey Reveals: 75% of U.S. Dads Seek Enhanced Mental Health Support

Key Findings from the Study:

1. Need for More Mental Health Support: - Majority (75%) of dads emphasize the significance of increased mental health support for fathers. - Despite acknowledging the importance of mental health discussions with their children, 37% of dads struggle to engage in such conversations. - Younger fathers, especially those with primary caregiver responsibilities, often face stigma, difficulty expressing emotions, and desire greater emotional support from loved ones.

2. Emotional Expression Challenges: - 44% of dads are somewhat or not at all comfortable sharing their emotions, while only 29% feel comfortable feeling emotional. - Frequent discussions about mental health with friends are uncommon, with only 24% engaging in such discussions, while 27% never do. - Doctors and partners are the most common confidants for dads in mental health matters.

3. Fostering Social Support: - Dads benefit from seeking like-minded individuals and creating safe spaces for sharing emotions to reduce apprehension about judgment. - Postpartum experiences can affect fathers' social connections, with 21% reporting depressive symptoms and 51% experiencing decreased social interaction with friends.

4. Workplace Support and Stress: - While 50% of dads feel supported at work, the remaining half lack necessary support. - Income generation is a primary stressor for 62% of dads, with 59% feeling responsible for household income. - Only 40% of dads have taken a mental health day, and merely 30% are even aware of the concept.

5. Therapy and Socioeconomic Disparities: - 28% of dads have received a mental health diagnosis, escalating to 31% for households with annual income below $75,000. - 22% of dads currently receive counseling or therapy, rising to 25% for households with annual income above $75,000. - Cost poses a substantial obstacle, with one-third of former therapy users attributing expense as the reason for discontinuation.

6. Initiating Support and Conversations: - Dads are encouraged to recognize their need for support and actively seek trusted individuals to fill that gap. - Conversations can begin by expressing the need for regular check-ins or requesting support while engaging in other activities, such as running or texting. - Talking to multiple people or considering therapy as an option can be beneficial.

7. Talking to Children About Mental Health: - Actions speak as loudly as words; fathers can create supportive environments for children to express emotions by displaying healthy expression and self-care. - Providing age-appropriate information about emotions, coping strategies, and the significance of support can help children understand mental health. - Sharing personal stories of seeking mental health support can normalize the process and present it as a sign of strength.

Methodology: - Conducted by Verywell Mind and Parents, the survey involved 1,600 American fathers aged 18+ from April 26th to May 8th, 2023. - Self-administered questionnaires were completed online by an opt-in panel of respondents from a market research vendor. - Quotas were employed to align race/ethnicity and region representation with U.S. Census estimates.