In conversations about gender and mental health, the emotional struggles of fathers are often overlooked. Society tends to spotlight their role as providers, protectors, and problem-solvers, rarely pausing to ask how they’re really feeling. Yet behind this silence lies a deep and often hidden strain.
In many cultures, men are seen as optimal providers for their families, and this is more evident when they are fathers. They are stressed by providing resources for their families and ensuring they are safe and protected. This phenomenon of patriarchy not only silences women but also shackles men, especially fathers, from expressing their emotional vulnerability. A qualitative study in Tanzania, Africa, showcased how being “masculine” leads men to suppress their true emotions just to meet societal expectations. By understanding masculinity as a social construct that privileges certain male attributes, we can better analyze the pressures faced by fathers across different cultures. This blog seeks to explore the varying impacts of patriarchal expectations on fathers' mental health across different cultures, highlighting the role of societal structures and the emerging movements towards mental health inclusivity. To truly understand this silence, we must explore how patriarchy defines “manhood” and how this definition impacts mental well-being.
Societal expectations of gender roles have always been harsh towards women, but in recent times, we have finally shed light on how it hampers men as well. Patriarchy defines men to be superior and strong, physically and financially, and not showing any kind of weakness or vulnerability. This emotional suppression leads to feelings of burnout, anxiety, and depression. Yet, unlike maternal mental health, which is slowly gaining public awareness, fathers’ mental health remains largely invisible, rarely acknowledged, let alone treated. While this internalized silence is damaging in itself, it is important to ask: Do these pressures play out differently across cultures?
Across the world, fathers face immense pressure, but their outcomes can vary significantly. However, their mental health needs are often overlooked. In collectivistic societies such as India and Japan, fathers are expected to ensure the long-term success of their children financially, socially, and even emotionally. This generational responsibility leads to a silent yet constant burden, where expressing emotional vulnerability is viewed as dishonourable or weak.
In contrast, individualistic cultures such as the U.S. and the U.K. offer more open platforms for discussing paternal mental health. Yet traditional gender norms still prevent many men from seeking help. While awareness campaigns and father-focused resources are rising in Western nations, the global picture remains uneven. Stigma, silence, and the myth of emotionally unshakeable fathers continue to dominate across diverse cultural contexts. Beyond the cultural mindset, policy structures also play a major role in shaping fathers’ mental health experiences, especially the lack of paternal leave.
A study reported how many young fathers feel invisible and unnecessary during pregnancy and postpartum. They are expected to bounce back to work with no time to bond with the newborn and adjust emotionally. This often results in guilt, emotional detachment, and psychological exhaustion, which, when left unaddressed, may manifest in maladaptive coping mechanisms such as substance use and alcohol dependence.. A study at Stockholm University contrasted with findings in the US, illustrating how paternal leave policies directly correlate with lower levels of postpartum depression in fathers in Sweden, shedding light on the psychological need for bonding time with the newborn. This contrast highlights how structural support can change emotional outcomes.
In recent years, quiet yet powerful shifts have begun to reshape conversations about fathers’ mental health. Campaigns like Movember and Fathers’ Mental Health Day have not only spotlighted paternal depression and anxiety but have also inspired men to share deeply personal stories, breaking through generations of silence. In Finland and Iceland, paid paternity leave now matches maternity leave, encouraging shared parenting from the beginning and reducing mental strain on fathers. Even within more conservative cultures like India, groups such as RytLife have created online platforms where men can talk freely about the emotional toll of parenting, something that was unheard of a decade ago. Access to digital therapy through platforms such as ManKind and culturally tailored mental health apps in regional languages makes care more inclusive. Public figures from athletes like Tyson Fury to actors like Will Young have candidly spoken about their struggles with fatherhood and mental health, making vulnerability visible and valid. These changes surely offer hope, but to be inclusive and stigma-free is yet to happen. Implementing supportive policies, such as equal paternity and maternity leave, directly addresses the mental exhaustion fathers face by providing them with the necessary time to bond and adjust, as evidenced by the positive outcomes in Finland and Iceland.
Photo by Tatiana Syrikova /Pexels
Fathers across cultures navigate the complexities of parenthood under the weight of societal expectations, which often disregard their emotional well-being. The patriarchal constructs that define masculinity not only silence men's mental health needs but also hinder the development of nurturing father-child relationships. Recognizing and addressing these challenges is essential for the well-being of families and communities. By fostering open dialogue through support groups, implementing supportive policies, and challenging traditional norms, we can create a more inclusive understanding of fatherhood that values emotional expression and mental health as integral components of paternal identity.
Aastha Shah