Fathers’ Experience of Parenting with a Mental Illness

Abstract

In comparison to mothers, there is a lack of research on fathers with a mental illness. Consequently, 11 men with a mental illness were interviewed about their parenting experiences and needs. Although none of the participants were living full time with their children, fatherhood was considered an important part of their self-image. However, the stigma associated with mental illness, as well as men's fear of losing access to their children, meant that they “suffered in silence.” Many described an overemphasis on their pathology in the community, with some reporting that their mental illness was used as a way of keeping them away from their children. Implications for practice conclude the article.

Involvement and Warmth of Fathers with Mental Illness: The Role of the Caregiving System, Parental Self-Efficacy, Social Support and Child Characteristics

“…Most parents with SMI rely on relatives or friends for assistance with child care (Hearle et al 1999). Qualitative research indicates SMI fathers experience a lack of support in their role from service providers and the community (Evenson et al 2008;Reupert and Maybery 2009), This may be one reason that they are more likely to engage professional support than mothers with SMI (Reupert and Maybery 2009).…”

“…The findings, however, are consistent with previous findings that SMI fathers report having a more intense bond with their children (LeFrançois 2009(LeFrançois , 2011. The intensity of the bond can be explained by SMI fathers' dependence on their children for affection and for help in getting through difficult times (Stallard et al 2004;Ackerson 2003;Reupert and Maybery 2009), as well as with findings that that some children of fathers with SMI report sharing a stronger bond, trust, and respect with their SMI parent (Mordoch and Hall 2008). These children may take on a parenting-type role, engaging in caring responsibilities such as the provision of personal and emotional care of parents, taking care of siblings, and doing extensive household chores (Ackerson 2003;Aldridge 2006).…”

“…Community interventions may enlist non-clinical fathers to serve as 'big brothers' so as to increase their social support, reduce their stigmatization, and provide parenting and role models to SMI fathers. Creating and maintaining strong social support networks is important for the fathers as well as their children (LeFrançois 2009;Reupert and Maybery 2009).…”

“…Some of them described the support and understanding they received from their children in coping with their psychosis (Evenson et al 2008;LeFrançois 2011;Aldridge 2006). Reupert and Maybery (2009), who interviewed eleven fathers with SMI, reported that these fathers viewed their fatherhood as important to their self-image even though they did not live with their children. They further reported that these fathers told that the interdependency with their children and the help their children gave them in getting through difficult times resulted in stronger relationships (Reupert and Maybery 2009).…”

A Dynamic Cycle of Familial Mental Illness

“…Fathers in the study by Reupert and Maybery (2009) have expressed concern that there is an 'overemphasis on pathology' (p. 65) once a diagnosis of mental illness is made. They believe that distress is often associated with an offer of increased medications, resulting in a reluctance to express distress and a reduction in help-seeking.…”