Tag: mental health

5 Ways Co-Parents Can Build Hope in Their Children

Some of us were raised to keep family business in the house. Some were taught to pray about it and keep going. And sometimes, when a child is talking about being depressed, overwhelmed, or not wanting to be here, we think they’re being dramatic or looking for attention.

But silence isn’t safety. Our children need to know they can tell us the truth. Even the hard truth. Even the uncomfortable truth. Even the truth that scares us. Our children need to know there’s nothing they can say that will make us stop loving them, listening to them, or helping them.

Healthy co-parenting is crucial to instilling this comfort and confidence.

Maybe Fatherhood Should Feel Good, Too

We study dysfunction relentlessly. Conflict, absence, depression, arrears, poverty, trauma, violence, and disengagement all deserve our attention. But perhaps we should become equally curious about joy. What makes fathers feel alive?

Maybe flourishing should become something we measure. Maybe gratitude belongs in fatherhood programming. Maybe hope belongs in co-parenting education. Maybe one of the first questions we ask a father when he enters the room shouldn’t only be, “What problem brought you here?” Perhaps we should also ask him what is going right, what gave him joy this week, what his child did that made him smile. These questions won’t erase poverty, fix a court order, or eliminate conflict, but they do something just as necessary. They remind a man that his life is larger than the problem currently occupying it.

closeup of a baby lying on his father's chest

Taking Care of Your Mental Health: An Open Letter to Young Fathers

New fatherhood is a rollercoaster, and it’s okay if some days feel like you’re clenching the safety bar with both hands. Your mental health isn’t separate from this ride; it is the seatbelt that keeps you in the car.

If your mood feels stuck — anger that won’t cool down, sadness that won’t lift, anxiety that pins you to the mattress — talk to someone. Just as we practice for a trade or a sport, counseling helps us develop mental and emotional skills for partnerships, parenting, and work.

small group of people sitting in a circle with one person placing a hand on the shoulder of another

What Kept Me Here: My Story of Suicide, Hope, and Worth

You are not your worst day, your red numbers, your divorce decree, your diagnosis, your court date, or your secret. You are not the sum of your disappointments. You are a father, a mother, a child, a friend, a builder, a teacher, a maker of ordinary miracles. Your name is needed in rooms you haven’t walked into yet.

The Silent Struggle: Fathers Facing Stress, Depression, and Loneliness During the Holiday Season

For all its joy and celebration, the holiday season can be a lonely and challenging time for fathers separated from their children. Whether due to scheduling or the heartbreak of parental alienation, these fathers often navigate their pain in silence. By recognizing the reality of their struggles and taking steps to support them, we can bring light to a complex subject and promote healing for fathers, children, and families alike.

Breaking the Silence: A Deep Dive into Men’s Grief and the Path to Healing

Breaking the Silence” explores the often overlooked terrain of men’s grief, shedding light on the societal barriers that silence their sorrow. Through expert insights and personal stories, this article delves into the complexity of male emotional expression, offering a beacon of hope and pathways toward understanding and healing.

Understanding Why Men are Hesitant to Ask for Help

For many men, asking for help can be a daunting prospect. There are various reasons why men might be hesitant to seek support, including social conditioning, stigma, and a fear of vulnerability.