Fatherhood & Mental Health: Why Vulnerability Matters for Dads

An open conversation about men’s mental health in fatherhood, emotional vulnerability, and the silent pressures many dads carry. A powerful episode for partners, parents, and anyone raising children together.

In this special episode of Dam Parenting during Men’s Mental Health Week, we open up a vital conversation about fatherhood and mental health—a topic still too often left in the shadows.

We’re joined by two fathers from our international community who share their personal journeys into parenthood. One speaks candidly about the emotional toll of having a newborn in the NICU, and the other reflects on the everyday challenges of raising a young family while living with ADHD. Different stories, same truth: fatherhood can be heavy, and vulnerability isn’t weakness—it’s real strength.

Did you know?

• The rise of paternal burnout and why nearly 1 in 6 fathers in the Netherlands report burnout symptoms

• How up to 1 in 4 dads experience postpartum depression within the first six months after birth

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With burnout, emotional overload, and the pressure to "stay strong," many fathers are struggling in silence. This episode is about breaking that silence, challenging stigma, and creating space for real conversations and support.

STATS:

• 15.9% of Dutch fathers report moderate parental burnout, with 0.4% experiencing high burnout
  PMC Study on Parental Burnout

• Up to 25.6% of fathers may experience postpartum depression, especially within 3–6 months postpartum
  PubMed Meta-analysis

• Rising awareness of paternal mental health issues, yet routine screening is still uncommon
  Springer Open Access Study

• Growing mental overload for fathers with neurodivergent conditions like ADHD