A recent survey by the American Psychiatric Association has discovered that being a dad is a motivating factor in seeking help. As many as 90 percent of respondents indicating that their status as a father or legal guardian “would have an impact on their decision to seek help if they were depressed.”

While it is difficult to admit depression because it’s stigmatized as a sign of weakness, admitting there is a problem is the first step towards finding help and beginning recovery. Even though the stigma of depression has been slowly fading over the past few years, many of the respondents also admitted that it would be easier to talk about other health issues besides depression.

“It is encouraging to see that fathers are open to getting help and that some of the stigma surrounding men and depression is waning,” stated Jeffrey Borenstein, M.D., Chair of the Council on Communications at the American Psychiatric Association. “A father who takes care of himself is taking care of his whole family.”

Seeking out treatment and talking about your experience with depression can help tremendously with your family dynamic. You may even find yourself stronger for having gone through the experience. Don’t expect results overnight though. Depression is not something we can dismiss or carry out the front door and never see again. It takes time, patience, and sometimes it is very painful as we journey towards recovery. Also, don’t forget that once recovered there will be a slightly changed dynamic to your personality. As with any experience, your brush with depression will become part of you. It is up to you, though, to determine how it will integrate with your personality and daily life.

You can read the APA article about this survey (and even participate) by clicking here.