International Fathers’ Mental Health Day 2026: How Are You Actually Going, Dad?
- Jon Salmon
- 57 minutes ago
- 3 min read
22 June marks International Fathers’ Mental Health Day (#DadsMHDay) a global campaign dedicated to raising awareness of fathers’ mental health and ensuring dads know they don't have to face challenges alone.
Why Fathers’ Mental Health Matters
The arrival of a baby is often portrayed as one of life's happiest moments, but for many dads it can also be a time of uncertainty, pressure and emotional struggle.
Research shows that around 1 in 10 fathers experience depression or anxiety during the perinatal period.
Yet many continue to suffer in silence, feeling they need to be the strong one, the provider, or the person holding everything together.
The message behind International Fathers’ Mental Health Day is simple:
No dad should have to figure it out alone.
More than 60 organisations worldwide have united behind this campaign because early support, connection and open conversations can make a significant difference in the lives of fathers and their families.
The Power of Sharing Stories
Stories have the power to reduce stigma and remind people they are not alone.
This year, the campaign is highlighting the experiences of fathers Jordan and Matt.
Jordan's journey taught him that true strength isn't about carrying everything by yourself.
Following a career-ending injury and the challenges of fatherhood, he discovered the importance of connection, community and asking for help when it's needed.
Matt's story is one of profound grief and resilience. His daughter Wren passed away just eight days after she was born.
In the difficult months and years that followed, finding a supportive community of people who understood his experience became a crucial part of his healing journey.
While their experiences are very different, both stories carry the same message:
Connection matters. Support matters. And reaching out is a sign of strength, not weakness.
A Question Worth Asking
This International Fathers’ Mental Health Day, we're asking a simple but important question:
How are you actually going, Dad?
Whether you're preparing to welcome a child, navigating the sleepless nights of early parenthood, supporting your family through challenges, or carrying experiences of loss and grief, your mental health matters.
Take a moment to check in with yourself.
Reach out to someone you trust.
And if you know a dad who might need to hear this message today, share it with them.
Together, we can help create a world where fathers feel supported, connected and empowered to seek help when they need it.
For support, resources and more stories from fathers around the world, visit:
We are proud of our members Mark and Andrew
Speakers Collective member Mark Williams, was instrumental in establishing International Fathers’ Mental Health Day that he co-founded in 2016.
Fellow Speakers Collective member Dr Andrew Mayers is a leading advocate for better perinatal mental health support and been supporting the UK element of campaign, and now with ongoing support from the Gidget Foundation.
You can learn more about their work here:
Join our collective
Speakers Collective is a Social Enterprise. We work together with a shared commitment to challenge stigma, facilitate important conversations and promote learning on a variety of social issues.
You can apply to join Speakers Collective lived-experienced speakers here or visit our homepage to find a speaker for your next event.
