Fatherhood doesn’t come with a user manual — and neither does managing everything you feel along the way. From the outside, you’re expected to be the rock.

Calm. Supportive. Steady.

The one who “keeps it together” while everything else feels like it’s falling apart. But here’s the part no one says out loud- Dads struggle too. And feeling overwhelmed with pressure.

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You’re expected to:

• Be strong

• Be stable

• Be supportive

• Be the provider

 

…all while running on no sleep and quietly wondering if you’re screwing it all up.

That’s not just pressure. That’s emotional overload in silence.

Mental health struggles in dads aren’t always obvious. It’s not always tears or staying in bed all day.

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Sometimes, it looks like:

• Snapping over small things

• Shutting down emotionally

• Withdrawing or avoiding baby duties

• Feeling numb, resentful, or just “out of it”

• Struggling at work or at home, but pretending it’s all fine

• Thinking, “I’m failing. I’m not good enough.”

 

Yes, postnatal depression and anxiety can affect dads too.
Even if you didn’t give birth. Even if you think you’re “supposed” to be fine.

Let’s be real — this isn’t just in your head:

• Sleep deprivation messes with your brain. Full stop.

• You’re hit with a massive life change, and there’s no manual.

• You see your partner struggle, and you feel helpless to fix it.

• There’s an identity shift — the old “you” feels far away.

• And worst of all? There’s often nowhere safe to talk — because men are “supposed to just deal.”

 

Here’s the truth - This doesn’t mean you’re broken.
It means you’re under pressure — with no release valve.

You don’t need to fix everything overnight. But you do need to check in with yourself.

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Here’s what can actually help:

• Talk to someone. A friend, your partner, a therapist — even another dad who gets it.

• Write it down. If you can’t say it out loud yet, start there.

• Take regular breaks. Even five minutes alone to breathe is worth it.

• Be honest. “I’m not okay today” is a complete sentence.

• Seek professional help if the weight doesn’t lift — because you deserve to feel better.

 

Courage isn’t pretending everything’s fine. Courage is choosing to get help when it’s not.

Mental health struggles in new dads are more common than you think:

• Around 1 in 10 dads experience postpartum depression

• Many more face burnout, anxiety, and emotional fatigue — quietly, and without support

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You don’t have to suffer in silence. You don’t have to “man up” through the pain.

What your children need isn’t a perfect dad. They need a present, healthy one.

 

And that starts with you —taking care of you.

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Talking Helps. Seriously. Whether it’s your partner, a friend, a therapist, or a support group — you deserve to be heard.

 

Strong dads talk. Strong dads feel. Strong dads ask for help. Let’s normalise that. Let’s support that.

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Where to get help?

 

• MY Psychology KK

  • Website​

• Agape Counselling Centre Malaysia (KK Branch)

  • 📞 088‑252 357 / 088‑858 899

• ​MENTARI (MOH Mental Health Clinic)

  • Website

• PPUMI Helpline (Postnatal Depression Support)

  • 📞15999 or WhatsApp Talian Kasih 019-261 5999