Involved fatherhood

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We need to talk about mental health for dads | Todd Duermyer | TEDxSIUC
TEDx Talksยท 2025-07-12 17:00
Men's Mental Health & Involved Fatherhood - The talk addresses the silence surrounding men's mental health challenges in parenthood, advocating for open conversations about mental well-being, parenting skills, policy changes, and cultural representation [1] - It challenges traditional notions of strength, redefining it as love, presence, and vulnerability rather than silence or avoidance [1][3] - The talk highlights that approximately 10% of fathers experience paternal postpartum depression, and about 18% experience overwhelming anxiety during their spouse's pregnancy and the first year afterward [1] Shifting Social Norms & Advertising - The talk emphasizes the importance of involved fatherhood, where fathers are actively engaged in their children's lives and supportive of their spouses [1] - It notes the emergence of social media trends celebrating involved fathers, such as Dad Braids, Dad Got Bars, and The Dad Show [1] - Advertising is evolving to reflect and shape social norms, with brands like Dove, Pantene, Gillette, Apple, and Tide showcasing positive representations of involved fathers [1] Policy Changes & Resources - The talk advocates for policy changes such as fraternal leave for both parents to facilitate bonding with newborns [1] - It calls for the creation of safe spaces for men to be vulnerable and open about their feelings, emphasizing that therapy is a sign of strength [1] - The talk stresses the need for accessible and affordable parent-child resources for all types of parents, including foster parents and birth parents [2] Actionable Steps - Encourage open conversations with men about their experiences as fathers, offering support and appreciation [2] - Promote and support policies that enable fathers to be more involved in their children's lives [1] - Advocate for increased representation of involved fathers in advertising and media [1]