Mental Health for Dads: What to Know and Where to Get Support

Fatherhood can be one of the most life-changing experiences — filled with love, laughter and small, meaningful moments. But it also brings long nights, big responsibilities and emotional shifts that are often hard to explain.

Whether you’re a first-time dad or have been in the parenting game for years, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed. What’s not talked about enough is this: fatherhood can take a real toll on mental health, and it’s okay if you’re not okay.

In this blog, we’ll outline the signs you need more support, why you may be feeling isolated and what support is available for you. 

The hidden weight of modern fatherhood

Today’s dads are more involved than ever, from bedtime stories and school pickups to managing meals and navigating tantrums. That hands-on parenting is something to celebrate. But it also comes with pressure.

Many fathers feel the need to hold everything together for their families—emotionally, financially and logistically. That pressure can be isolating. And when dads feel like they can’t show vulnerability, that isolation gets deeper.

Studies show that around 10% of new dads experience postpartum depression, and even more report heightened levels of anxiety, stress or emotional withdrawal — especially in the first year of their child’s life. These experiences don’t always present in obvious ways. A dad might not cry or say “I’m struggling”—instead, it may look like irritability, loss of interest in hobbies, sleep problems or just going through the motions without feeling much at all.

And yet, many fathers don’t speak up. Why?

Because of outdated messages like “be strong,” “don’t complain,” or “you’re just tired—get over it.” Those messages can stop dads from getting the support they need.

But strength isn’t about pretending you’re fine. It’s about taking care of yourself so you can keep showing up.

Mental health for dads: signs you might need support

Every dad’s experience is different, but here are some signs that your mental health may need attention, and that you may exhibit core symptoms of depression or anxiety: 

• Constant irritability or anger
• Trouble sleeping (even when the baby’s asleep)
• Feeling disconnected from your partner or child
• Feeling numb, anxious, or hopeless
• Using alcohol or substances more often to cope
• Struggling to keep up with daily tasks or responsibilities
• Thoughts that you’re “not cut out” for fatherhood
• Lack of interest in things you once found interesting
• Lack of energy 
• Low mood

These feelings don’t mean you’re a bad parent. They’re signs that you’re carrying too much without enough support. Recognizing that is the first step. Getting help is the next.

Why dads may not seek help

Men are less likely than women to seek support for their mental health. And fathers can delay seeking care for many reasons, especially in the early stages of parenthood.

Some common reasons dads avoid seeking care include:

• Time constraints: Between work, parenting, and household responsibilities, there’s rarely a quiet moment.
• Stigma: There’s still a harmful belief that seeking mental health support is a sign of weakness.
• Lack of visibility: Many don’t know where to go, or assume most resources are geared toward mothers.
• Accessibility: Traditional care may involve long wait times and rigid schedules.

The result? Many dads push through until they burn out. But that doesn’t have to be the story.

Taking care of your mental health helps your whole family

When you’re feeling stretched thin, it’s easy to put yourself last. But the truth is, your well-being shapes the energy you bring to your family. When you feel supported, it’s easier to show up with patience, presence and care — for your kids, your partner, and yourself. 

Support doesn’t have to look the same for everyone. Some dads feel most comfortable speaking with a licensed therapist or counsellor. Others may prefer to talk to a social worker, connect with a support group for new fathers or access community-based mental health clinics that offer walk-in counselling services.

If you’re more comfortable starting with someone in your circle, even a conversation with your family doctor can open doors to helpful resources. Some employers also offer Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), which provide confidential short-term counselling for free.

The most important thing is finding a type of support that works for you — something you’ll feel comfortable returning to when you need it.

How virtual care can help make mental health more accessible 

Mental health support through virtual mental health care can make a real difference, especially for men who are new to seeking mental health support and don’t know where to start. 

You don’t need to sit in a waiting room, or even leave the house. With virtual care, you can access mental health professionals — like licensed therapists or primary care providers — on your own time, whether it’s after your kids are asleep or during your lunch break.

Some benefits of virtual care for dads include:

• Privacy: No need to explain time away or worry about being seen at a clinic
• Flexibility: Appointments that fit around your schedule, not the other way around
• Comfort: Access support from a familiar, low-stress environment (like your home)

If you’re already using a virtual care platform to manage your child’s health needs — Maple, for example, includes paediatric care as part of a membership — it’s worth checking what mental health services are available for adults. If you’re new to virtual care, it can be a gentle first step toward support.

If you want to know more about what to expect, we’ve got you covered in this blog.

Support for you and your family on one platform

If you’re feeling the weight of parenthood, you’re not alone—and you don’t have to navigate it alone either.

A Maple membership gives you direct access to Canadian-licensed mental health professionals so you can get care that fits into your life. On Maple, mental health therapists are available across Canada, while mental health physicians are available in certain provinces. Whether you’re looking for a one-time consultation or ongoing support, you can book appointments on your own terms and speak with a provider over secure text, audio, or video call.  A Maple membership also includes an $80 monthly credit toward specialist appointments, including mental health care.

And when unexpected health questions pop up, you’re covered there, too. A Maple membership gives you 24/7/365 access to Canadian-licensed primary care providers —including doctors and nurse practitioners — who can support you anytime, anywhere. Plus, if a provider recommends a prescription at their discretion, you can have it sent straight to your home or to your closest pharmacy. 

If part of your stress is rooted in your child’s well-being, our paediatric primary care providers can help directly on Maple, so you can get the peace of mind you need to concentrate on what matters most. 

Everything happens online. No travel. No waiting rooms. Just real support when you need it most.

If you’ve been feeling disconnected, overwhelmed, or unsure of what you’re going through, many other dads have felt the same. There’s no “right” way to approach fatherhood. But taking care of your mental health is always the right thing to do.

The information presented here is for educational purposes and is not meant to replace the advice from your medical professional.

When using virtual care, all medical treatment is at the sole discretion of the provider. Virtual care is not meant for medical emergencies, and your provider will determine if your case is appropriate for virtual care. If you are experiencing an emergency like chest pain or difficulties breathing, for example, please call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.