Fathers today are more engaged than ever before. They plan for the future, remain emotionally available, help with kids, and handle domestic duties. However, even after doing so much, people seldom express how exhausted or stressed they are. Even when the emotional and psychological burden becomes unbearable, men are frequently expected by society to remain strong and silent.

This unseen "mental load" encompasses major concerns like saving for the children's education, managing increasing costs, and planning for the family's future, as well as routine chores like paying bills, recalling school meetings, and repairing things around the house.

In an exclusive interview with HT Lifestyle, Lavleen Kaur, Chief Dietitian and Founder of Santushti Healthcare, and Saloni Chawla, Counselling Psychologist at Santushti Healthcare, offered five easy strategies for fathers to lighten their mental load:

1. Recognize the Pressure

The first step is to acknowledge the stress. Feeling exhausted, concerned, or down is normal. Rather than ignoring it, you may start looking for healthy methods to cope with pressure once you acknowledge that you are experiencing it.

2. Divide the responsibilities with your partner

Discuss openly at home about what should be done. Talk about and split duties from household repairs to school conferences. Collaborative task sharing and joint mental preparation can enhance teamwork and reduce burnout.

3. Put self-care first, without feeling bad

Don't wait for a health scare to prioritize your health. Taking a brief stroll, engaging in a pastime, or simply relaxing can help you recharge. Taking care of yourself makes it easier for you to take care of your loved ones.

4. Speak with other fathers

You aren't by itself. Talk to other dads online, at school, or in the park. Sharing experiences fosters a feeling of community and helps you remember that many other people share your sentiments.

5. When necessary, seek professional help

Contacting a therapist or counselor might be beneficial if the stress feels overwhelming. Caring for your mental health is not a sign of weakness. For you and your family's health, it is a prudent and powerful move.

You don't have to shoulder everything alone. A good father is honest, supportive, and ready to share the burden, not someone who never gets weary. And to everyone reading, see how the fathers in your area are doing. A straightforward and sincere "How are you really doing?" can matter a lot.