Paternal Mental Health Screening Tool

This screening tool is designed to help fathers identify potential mental health concerns during the perinatal period and early parenthood. Research demonstrates that early identification and intervention significantly improve outcomes for fathers, children, and families. This tool is based on validated screening instruments and clinical research on paternal mental health.

Important Note: This screening tool is for educational purposes and initial self-assessment only. It does not replace professional mental health evaluation. If you score in concerning ranges or have thoughts of self-harm, please seek immediate professional help.

Instructions for Use

For each statement, select the response that best describes how you have been feeling over the past two weeks. Answer honestly based on your actual experiences rather than how you think you should feel.

Response Options:

• 0 = Not at all
• 1 = Several days
• 2 = More than half the days
• 3 = Nearly every day

Section A: Mood and Emotional Well-being (9 items)

1. Little interest or pleasure in doing things □ 0 - Not at all □ 1 - Several days □ 2 - More than half the days □ 3 - Nearly every day

2. Feeling down, depressed, or hopeless □ 0 - Not at all □ 1 - Several days □ 2 - More than half the days □ 3 - Nearly every day

3. Feeling irritable, angry, or having angry outbursts □ 0 - Not at all □ 1 - Several days □ 2 - More than half the days □ 3 - Nearly every day

4. Feeling overwhelmed by parenting responsibilities □ 0 - Not at all □ 1 - Several days □ 2 - More than half the days □ 3 - Nearly every day

5. Feeling disconnected from your baby/child □ 0 - Not at all □ 1 - Several days □ 2 - More than half the days □ 3 - Nearly every day

6. Feeling like you’re not a good father □ 0 - Not at all □ 1 - Several days □ 2 - More than half the days □ 3 - Nearly every day

7. Feeling emotionally numb or empty □ 0 - Not at all □ 1 - Several days □ 2 - More than half the days □ 3 - Nearly every day

8. Feeling guilty about your parenting or family situation □ 0 - Not at all □ 1 - Several days □ 2 - More than half the days □ 3 - Nearly every day

9. Having thoughts that you or your family would be better off without you □ 0 - Not at all □ 1 - Several days □ 2 - More than half the days □ 3 - Nearly every day

Section A Score: ___/27

Section B: Anxiety and Worry (7 items)

10. Feeling nervous, anxious, or on edge □ 0 - Not at all □ 1 - Several days □ 2 - More than half the days □ 3 - Nearly every day

11. Not being able to stop or control worrying □ 0 - Not at all □ 1 - Several days □ 2 - More than half the days □ 3 - Nearly every day

12. Excessive worry about your baby’s/child’s safety or health □ 0 - Not at all □ 1 - Several days □ 2 - More than half the days □ 3 - Nearly every day

13. Worry about being able to provide financially for your family □ 0 - Not at all □ 1 - Several days □ 2 - More than half the days □ 3 - Nearly every day

14. Feeling restless or having trouble sitting still □ 0 - Not at all □ 1 - Several days □ 2 - More than half the days □ 3 - Nearly every day

15. Being easily annoyed or irritated □ 0 - Not at all □ 1 - Several days □ 2 - More than half the days □ 3 - Nearly every day

16. Feeling afraid that something awful might happen □ 0 - Not at all □ 1 - Several days □ 2 - More than half the days □ 3 - Nearly every day

Section B Score: ___/21

Section C: Sleep and Physical Symptoms (6 items)

17. Trouble falling or staying asleep (beyond normal infant-related sleep disruption) □ 0 - Not at all □ 1 - Several days □ 2 - More than half the days □ 3 - Nearly every day

18. Feeling tired or having little energy □ 0 - Not at all □ 1 - Several days □ 2 - More than half the days □ 3 - Nearly every day

19. Poor appetite or overeating □ 0 - Not at all □ 1 - Several days □ 2 - More than half the days □ 3 - Nearly every day

20. Trouble concentrating on things like work, reading, or watching TV □ 0 - Not at all □ 1 - Several days □ 2 - More than half the days □ 3 - Nearly every day

21. Physical symptoms (headaches, muscle tension, stomach problems) without clear medical cause □ 0 - Not at all □ 1 - Several days □ 2 - More than half the days □ 3 - Nearly every day

22. Moving or speaking noticeably slower, or being fidgety/restless □ 0 - Not at all □ 1 - Several days □ 2 - More than half the days □ 3 - Nearly every day

Section C Score: ___/18

Section D: Behavioral and Social Changes (6 items)

23. Withdrawing from your partner, family, or friends □ 0 - Not at all □ 1 - Several days □ 2 - More than half the days □ 3 - Nearly every day

24. Avoiding activities you used to enjoy □ 0 - Not at all □ 1 - Several days □ 2 - More than half the days □ 3 - Nearly every day

25. Increased use of alcohol, drugs, or other substances □ 0 - Not at all □ 1 - Several days □ 2 - More than half the days □ 3 - Nearly every day

26. Working excessively or avoiding home responsibilities □ 0 - Not at all □ 1 - Several days □ 2 - More than half the days □ 3 - Nearly every day

27. Difficulty bonding with or caring for your baby/child □ 0 - Not at all □ 1 - Several days □ 2 - More than half the days □ 3 - Nearly every day

28. Engaging in risky or reckless behavior □ 0 - Not at all □ 1 - Several days □ 2 - More than half the days □ 3 - Nearly every day

Section D Score: ___/18

Scoring and Interpretation

Total Score Calculation

• Section A (Mood): ___/27
• Section B (Anxiety): ___/21
• Section C (Physical): ___/18
• Section D (Behavioral): ___/18
• Total Score: ___/84

Score Interpretation

0-20: Low Risk

• Minimal symptoms suggesting good mental health
• Continue monitoring and maintain healthy coping strategies
• Consider preventive measures and stress management techniques

21-35: Mild Concern

• Some symptoms present but may be within normal range for new fathers
• Monitor symptoms and consider lifestyle modifications
• Seek support from family, friends, or parenting groups
• Consider speaking with healthcare provider if symptoms persist

36-50: Moderate Concern

• Significant symptoms that may indicate developing mental health challenges
• Strongly recommend professional consultation
• Consider counseling or therapy services
• Discuss with healthcare provider about treatment options

51-84: High Concern

• Symptoms suggest possible depression, anxiety, or other mental health condition
• Professional evaluation strongly recommended
• Contact healthcare provider or mental health professional immediately
• Consider immediate support from family and friends

Critical Items Alert

Immediate Professional Help Needed If:

• Item 9 (thoughts of family being better off without you) scored 1 or higher
• Item 25 (substance use) scored 2 or higher
• Any thoughts of self-harm or harming others
• Inability to care for yourself or your child

Understanding Your Results

Normal Adjustment vs. Mental Health Concerns

The transition to fatherhood involves normal stress and adjustment challenges. However, persistent symptoms that interfere with daily functioning, relationships, or parenting may indicate mental health concerns requiring professional attention.

Risk Factors to Consider

Your screening results should be interpreted in context of known risk factors:

• Personal or family history of mental health conditions
• Relationship difficulties or lack of social support
• Financial stress or work-related pressures
• Sleep deprivation beyond normal newborn-related disruption
• Partner experiencing mental health challenges

Protective Factors

Consider these factors that may support mental health:

• Strong social support network
• Healthy coping strategies and stress management
• Good physical health and self-care practices
• Positive relationship with partner
• Previous successful management of stress or challenges

Next Steps Based on Results

For Low Risk Scores

• Continue healthy lifestyle practices
• Maintain social connections and support networks
• Practice stress management and self-care
• Stay informed about mental health awareness
• Reassess periodically, especially during stressful periods

For Mild to Moderate Concern Scores

• Schedule appointment with primary healthcare provider
• Consider counseling or therapy services
• Increase social support and communication with partner
• Implement stress reduction strategies
• Monitor symptoms and reassess in 2-4 weeks

For High Concern Scores

• Contact healthcare provider or mental health professional immediately
• Consider emergency services if experiencing thoughts of self-harm
• Inform trusted family members or friends about your situation
• Avoid making major life decisions while experiencing symptoms
• Follow up with professional recommendations consistently

Resources and Support

Professional Help

• Primary Care Physician: First point of contact for mental health concerns
• Mental Health Professionals: Psychologists, psychiatrists, licensed counselors
• Postpartum Support International: Specialized support for perinatal mental health
• Employee Assistance Programs: Workplace-based mental health resources

Support Networks

• Partner and Family: Open communication about mental health needs
• Father Support Groups: Peer support from other fathers
• Online Communities: Moderated forums and support groups
• Religious/Spiritual Communities: Faith-based support systems

Crisis Resources

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988
• Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
• Emergency Services: 911 for immediate safety concerns
• Local Crisis Centers: Community-based emergency mental health services

When the screen suggests a problem

A screening tool isn’t a diagnosis. But if your results are consistently pointing toward depression, anxiety, or burnout, that’s worth following up on with a professional. Paternal mental health is under-screened and under-treated — not because fathers don’t struggle, but because they’re less likely to seek help.

Getting support isn’t a distraction from being a good father. For most men, it’s what makes being a good father possible.

References

1. Kroenke, K., Spitzer, R. L., & Williams, J. B. (2001). The PHQ-9: Validity of a brief depression severity measure. Journal of General Internal Medicine, 16(9), 606-613.

2. Ramchandani, P., & Psychogiou, L. (2009). Paternal psychiatric disorders and children’s psychosocial development. The Lancet, 374(9690), 646-653.

3. Spitzer, R. L., Kroenke, K., Williams, J. B., & Löwe, B. (2006). A brief measure for assessing generalized anxiety disorder: The GAD-7. Archives of Internal Medicine, 166(10), 1092-1097.