Summary
In this episode of the Fathering Strong Podcast, Bruce Stapleton and Eli Williams are joined by James McDonald, the president and CEO of All Well Behavioral Health. They discuss the mental and emotional stress that struggling fathers face and how it can impact their health. They also explore the barriers that prevent men from seeking help and the importance of creating supportive environments for men to open up and seek assistance. James McDonald shares his personal experiences as a father and the role that church and gratitude have played in his journey. They also discuss the Ohio Practitioners Network for Fathers and Families, a resource for fathers and practitioners to strengthen their skills and support fathers in their communities.
Take Aways:
- Fatherhood can be stressful, especially for struggling fathers who may be dealing with mental and emotional challenges.
- Creating supportive environments and resources specifically for fathers can help them overcome the barriers to seeking help.
- Church and gratitude can play a significant role in a father's journey, providing accountability, encouragement, and a focus on others.
- The Ohio Practitioners Network for Fathers and Families is a valuable resource for fathers and practitioners to strengthen their skills and support fathers in their communities.
Chapters:
00:00 - Introduction and Overview
01:28 - The Challenges Faced by Fathers
06:18 - The Impact of Mental and Emotional Stress on Struggling Fathers
11:45 - Father Absence and its Effects on Children
15:22 - Substance Use as a Coping Mechanism
19:50 - Creating Supportive Environments for Fathers
25:29 - Breaking the Stigma: Encouraging Men to Seek Help
29:04 - Connecting and Discussing Fatherhood in Community Spaces
32:48 - The Ohio Practitioners Network for Fathers and Families: A Valuable Resource
38:39 - Conclusion and Wrap-up
