For the longest time, we’ve placed fathers on an emotional pedestal, strong, steady, providers who 'don’t crack.' But times are changing, and so are the demands of parenting. More fathers are stepping up at home, staying involved with diaper changes, night feeds, school pick-ups, emotional support, and the list goes on. Yet, when they feel stretched too thin, exhausted, or emotionally drained, we rarely talk about it. This may lead to a state known as fatherhood burnout.
What Is Fatherhood Burnout?
Burnout is no longer confined to boardrooms or office cubicles. As Dr Shubham Vatsya, Senior Consultant, Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Fortis Hospital, Vasant Kunj, puts it, “burnout is a state of emotional, mental, and physical exhaustion, and it happens to fathers too, especially those juggling demanding careers and equally intense parenting responsibilities.”
“Clinicians are increasingly recognising fatherhood burnout not as a fleeting experience, but as a distinct clinical condition. In practice, we encounter fathers with symptoms like chronic insomnia, constant irritability, emotional withdrawal from their infants, and even psychosomatic complaints, such as headaches or gastric issues,” shared Dr Himani Sharma, Clinical Head and Senior Consultant, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Cocoon Hospital, Jaipur.
In practice, we encounter fathers presenting with insomnia, persistent irritability, emotional disengagement from their infants, and psychosomatic symptoms indicative of mild depression. Yet, routine screenings rarely include questions that specifically address paternal stress.
Also Read: Mental Health Matters: Expert Explains Challenges During Fatherhood And How To Find The Solutions
Why Does It Often Go Unnoticed?
Unlike maternal burnout or postpartum depression, which have gained more attention and screening tools in recent years, paternal stress often flies under the radar. This is mostly because societal expectations still push men into silence. They’re expected to ‘man up’, stay strong, and not complain.
“This silence often translates into quiet suffering. Fathers may feel guilty for needing rest or ashamed to admit they’re overwhelmed,” said Dr Vatsya. This results in emotional disengagement, relationship strain, and even increased risk for depression or anxiety.
Spotting the Signs: What to Look Out For
Some symptoms of fatherhood burnout mirror general burnout, but they often manifest uniquely in a parental context. These include:
- Constant irritability or sudden mood swings
- Feeling emotionally detached or disinterested in family time
- Difficulty sleeping or staying asleep
- Persistent fatigue or low motivation
- Unexplained physical symptoms like headaches, stomach issues, or back pain
- Feelings of guilt or shame for needing help
If these signs show up consistently for more than a few weeks, it might be time to take a step back and re-evaluate.
Also Read: Navigating Fatherhood: Expert Shares Essential Health Tips For First-Time Dads
Support Starts with Awareness and Conversation
“Support starts with awareness. Partners, family, and friends should check in regularly, ask how he’s doing, not just about work or chores. Encourage open conversations without judgment. A few crucial steps to prevent fatherhood burnout include sharing the parental needs, choosing me-time as an important priority and taking professional guidance when required,” said Dr Vatsya.
It is also essential for healthcare teams to normalise conversations around the mental load of fatherhood, much as we have increasingly acknowledged maternal postpartum depression over the past decade.
“When fathers are supported, they engage more positively with their children, mothers benefit from a resilient partner, and workplaces experience fewer productivity losses due to hidden burnout.
Recognising and addressing fatherhood burnout is not only a public health imperative, it’s a strategic priority for healthcare systems at large,” said Sharma.
Recognising Fatherhood Burnout
“The healthcare field is beginning to widen its lens: screening tools focused on paternal burnout should be integrated into parental wellness apps, employer-sponsored wellness programs, and well-child visit protocols. Early identification allows for simple but meaningful interventions, such as structured respite care, peer support groups, and brief cognitive-behavioural therapy delivered as part of standard care,” said Dr Sharma.
[Disclaimer: This article contains information provided by an expert and is for informational purposes only. Hence, we advise you to consult your professional if you are dealing with any health issue to avoid complications.]