Dad Mode: Navigating the New Frontier of Fatherhood

Therapy For New Dads- Supporting Men’s Mental Health

Dad, Papa, Father, Daddy, Pops… whatever your chosen name is, becoming a new dad can be one of the most life-changing experiences one goes through. With all the love, joy and excitement it brings to your world, it can be easy to overlook or dismiss the emotional challenges that many new fathers face in this time of newness. This blog post will explore the emotional hurdles new dads face and help you discover if online therapy for men might be a valuable resource to help you or a new dad you know navigate this transformative time.

1.     New Responsibilities = A New Kind of Overwhelm

You knew you’d be overwhelmed, and most of the time its manageable and worth the emotional toll it can take on you. If you find yourself wrestling with the gravity of the emotions involved, it’s not uncommon to question if you are ready for this degree of loving another and the responsibilities that come with fatherhood. Remember that these feelings are completely normal and are a testament to your deep connection with your child and partner. Lean into them and consider that it’s a sign of your commitment to being the most supportive and loving dad you can be.

2.     Sleep Deprivation Stress

This one might be obvious... feed, change diaper, soothe the cries, repeat. Sound familiar? But wait, what about SLEEP?! Taking care of a crying baby can take a huge toll on hour physical and emotional health. When you aren’t getting proper sleep, one can become mor irritable, stressed, moody, or short fused. The key to navigating this sleep deprived daze is to be in constant communication with your partner around sharing responsibilities, and how you can work as a team. If you find yourself struggling to communicate with your partner, seeking professional help from an online therapist for men is a great way to take care of yourself and support your partner during this stressful time.

3.     Who The Heck Am I?

Shifts in identity come two fold when becoming a dad. Some dads may feel left out of the intense bond that can happen between mom and baby, especially if their partner is solely breastfeeding. While this is very normal, it can also lead to feelings of inadequacy or jealousy. Becoming a dad might also requite a shift in your priorities. Your once very important personal needs will often take a backseat to those of your child and this can take a huge emotional toll/cause you to feel like you’re losing a part of your old identity. Work with your partner so you can both find a balance between being dedicated parents and taking care of your own well-being. Self-care is NOT selfish, in fact it is vital for your own stability and the well-being of your child.

4.     Isolation & Loneliness

Becoming a father is incredibly enriching and fulfilling…. And it can also be isolating and lonely at times as you watch yourself become less connected to friends who aren’t in the same life stage as you. You may find yourself feeling envious of missing out on social activities you used to enjoy, or feeling resentful that you no longer have the same freedoms you did prior to becoming a parent. Building a supportive network of fellow dads, friends, or family who can relate and provide reassurance is essential. Try searching for dad book clubs, daddy and me classes, or just talking to your friends/co-workers to arrange dad only hangs so you can feel more connected to those who might understand you best. While the transition phase is normal, the sense of isolation can lead to intense loneliness and even depression, so don’t hesitate to seek out professional help if needed. Online therapy offers a safe and convenient space to discuss your emotional challenges with someone who understand the unique struggles of fatherhood from a professional perspective.  

It is important for new dads be open with themselves and to recognize that the emotional challenges they are facing are in fact, quite normal. Communicating openly with your partner, friends, and/or a mental health professional can help one to more easily address and cope with the range of emotions and changes that come with being a new dad. As a therapist for men, I work with clients to address the specific thoughts/feelings that accompany this unique time in a dads life and work with clients to gain insight and understanding around the challenges they face.