This weekend we celebrated Father’s Day. I hope it was a pleasant time for most of you who still have a father. For those of you (like myself) whose dad is no longer around, I trust that you at least have pleasant memories. Unfortunately for many, those memories or the present reality may be something you can do without. Have you ever wondered why your dad may be so difficult to be around? Why he often seems to fly off the handle and at other times withdraw or become moody? He may have some type of mental health issues.
Depression is a mental health illness that affects men and women alike. According to the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it is one of the leading causes of disease or injury for men and women worldwide. The CDC lists the signs of depression as: “persistent sadness, grumpiness, feelings of hopelessness, tiredness and decreased energy, and thoughts of suicide. “
These symptoms may be disturbing, but by seeking help early, your dad can get the treatment he needs to help him live a healthy life. Mental health still has a stigma attached to it, which is one of the reasons men, especially, hesitate to speak about what they are feeling. It is up to you to observe your dad’s behavior and if you notice something amiss, encouraging him to talk about it. By following a healthy lifestyle that includes a balanced diet, exercise and leisure activities, your dad may be able to prevent or cope with mental health issues.
Is your dad or someone in your life showing signs of mental health illness? If yes, what are you doing about it?
