<p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; As Father&rsquo;s day approaches, it leads to many searching for how to help their father figures celebrate with the proper combination of respect and actual enjoyment.&nbsp; Whether celebrating stepfathers, biological fathers, grandfathers, uncles, etc, taking time aside to understand what fathers really want can be a huge support in making it a positive day in all of the ways that matter most.</p> <p><strong>The best celebration is an honest one</strong></p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; When celebrating Fathers Day, there is a tendency to make everything positive and happy and all about honoring the father in question, that it becomes false.&nbsp; A Father&rsquo;s Day celebration should be an honest and open day where the real situation is front and center, whatever that might be.</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; In situations where a father figure is distant or not emotionally connected to his children, it would not be helpful, for example, to, shower him with love or praise.&nbsp; He can still be honored and treated as &ldquo;the star of the day&rdquo;, but in a more appropriate way through something like a special meal or a funny card.</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; This is also the case in situations where perhaps the father does not enjoy being recognized.&nbsp; Some are shy and enjoy &ldquo;letting the day slide by&rdquo;.&nbsp; As a child or a supportive family member, it is important to respect that need and see it as his decision -- it is his day, after all.</p> <p><strong>Real conversations about real problems</strong></p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; If you do choose to celebrate with Dad in a traditional sense, through gifts and a dad-centered day, one of the main things that you can focus on for a noticeable difference, is the importance of bringing up mental health.</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Studies show that men struggle with mental health as much as women do, yet there are not many support systems in place, since symptoms often look different.&nbsp; Focus more on external symptoms (ie: aggression, substance abuse problems), it is seen as conscious decisions and choices.&nbsp; While we see a mother&rsquo;s need for mental health as being unquestioned, that same right is not extended to fathers.</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; In that vein, one of the best gifts for Dad to receive for Father&rsquo;s Day, is recognition of mental health support specifically for him.&nbsp; Even in situations where he has not disclosed his struggle, or he does not struggle openly, with mental health, understanding his family&rsquo;s unwavering support is always a great gift.</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; This can be done through physical means, such as encouragement to attend counselling specifically for mental health treatment, if appropriate.&nbsp; It could be in something that is more guided, such as a book focused on helping men appreciate and understand mental health and how it relates to them as men, rather than the general approach.</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; It also could be in something as simple as asking him, genuinely, how he is feeling and how he is doing.&nbsp; Dads often get overlooked for emotional needs, but they are as important and relevant as those of mothers and children.&nbsp; Instead of requiring him to be a strong pillar of support, use Father&rsquo;s Day as a day to be safe, surrounded by support, and a release for his emotional self.</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Keep these focus points in mind for celebrating and honoring the father in your life.&nbsp; They can make a positive difference in supporting his mental health, and also promoting better mental health year-round.</p> <p>Sources</p> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org/2017/06/fathers-mental-health/">https://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org/2017/06/fathers-mental-health/</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.thedad.com/recognize-the-signs-break-the-stigma-today-is-fathers-mental-health-day/">https://www.thedad.com/recognize-the-signs-break-the-stigma-today-is-fathers-mental-health-day/</a></li> </ul>