Men are not talking · Dads Who Show Up

Men are not talking

Real talk: men's mental health is getting missed — and that’s a problem for dads.

New pieces this week spell it out. Hospitals Magazine reports that men are far less likely than women to seek help, yet have higher rates of suicide, self-harm and substance use. The catch: depression in men often shows up as irritability, pulling away or risky behaviour instead of classic sadness (Hospitals Magazine — https://hospitalsmagazine.com/mens-mental-health-the-crisis-no-one-talks-about/ ). And WombRoom reminds us paternal postpartum depression affects about 10% of new fathers — driven by hormones, sleep loss and pressure to “be strong” (WombRoom — https://www.wombroom.mom/post/can-men-get-postpartum-depression-signs-symptoms-and-solutions ).

Why this matters to us: if the signs look like anger, shutting down, or throwing yourself into risky stuff, they’re easy to miss — by partners, GPs, and by us. As dads we’re juggling identity, money, sleep, and expectations. That mix buries feelings fast.

So let’s check in with each other properly. Quick poll: if you were struggling, which would you do?

A) Tell my partner

B) See my GP

C) Talk to a mate/community

D) Keep it to myself

4 votes

7 comments

Men are not talking