Dads need support too

AS we celebrate Fathers Day tomorrow, it is time we acknowledge a quiet crisis that often goes unnoticed: the mental health and emotional wellbeing of fathers.

In Malaysia, fathers are expected to be providers, problem-solvers and emotional anchors. These expectations, while rooted in cultural norms, have created a harmful stigma around men’s emotional expression. Many fathers feel they must bottle up their fears, afraid that opening up will make them seem weak or inadequate.

Research shows that men experience significant psychological stress during key life transitions. The tension escalates when becoming a parent for the first time, facing financial strain, dealing with family members falling ill or juggling the competing demands of work and family. Unfortunately, there is still a lack of awareness and targeted support for paternal mental health.

Left unaddressed, this stress can lead to burnout, anxiety, depression and in some cases, a breakdown in family relationships. This does not just affect the father but also the wellbeing of partners, children and the entire family.

This Fathers Day, we must challenge the outdated belief that fathers should “tough it out”. Here are three ways to move forward:

> Raise awareness: We need more public campaigns and open conversations that normalise the emotional experiences of fathers. Men should feel safe to express vulnerability and seek help without fear of judgment.

> Reform workplace policies: Companies should recognise the caregiving role of fathers by offering parental leave and mental health support access. Fathers should not have to choose bet­ween providing for their families and caring for their mental health.

> Provide tailored support: More accessible and gender-sensitive counselling services and support systems are needed that address the specific ways men experience and express stress.

Let this Fathers Day be the beginning of a sshift in how we see and support fatherhood in all its complexity.

DR WU SHIN LING

School of Psychology

Sunway University