Dad's Mental Health

By: James Macdonald
  • Summary

  • Hello, I'm James Macdonald and a decade ago, I was stressed and overwhelmed at my role as a husband and (exhausted) father of 3, not really knowing how to be the best man I could be. Many years, pitfalls and enough flat whites to sink a battleship later, I’m a lot happier and confident and on a mission to help other dads be the best family man they can be without losing their minds. Dad's Mental Health is for all dads who sometimes feel overwhelmed at their responsibility and feel like their mental health may be on a slow and silent decline. For the men who always feel like they’re in the doghouse but don’t know why. Here you’ll learn effective and actionable ways to deal with things such as toddler tantrums, passive aggressive partners and hopefully getting more happiness and laughter into your life. You are not alone in how you are feeling, and in Dad's Mental Health you will find a much-needed place where hopefully you’ll realise that you're doing much better than anyone, including you, is giving you credit for. With new advice and stories every week you can learn to safely navigate family life AND have a laugh, all in the time it takes you to walk to the shop on your completely made mission to get milk. If you’re ready to be the happier, more confident family man you know you can be, scroll up and click ‘FOLLOW’.
    Copyright 2025 James Macdonald
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Episodes
  • #318 | 5 Grounding Thoughts to Help You Out of Bed On Your Darkest Days | Mental Health Support for Fathers
    Apr 15 2025

    Ever had a morning where just getting out of bed feels impossible?

    You're not alone and this episode is for those moments when the weight of everything feels like too much.

    As a dad, the pressure to always be strong, present, and put-together can be overwhelming especially when you're navigating depression or low mental health.

    This episode speaks directly to those mornings when hope feels distant but the need to show up still lingers.

    Whether you're currently struggling or supporting someone who is, this conversation offers grounded, real life strategies to help break through the fog.

    In this episode, you will:

    1) Discover 5 powerful mindset shifts to help you move forward, even on the hardest days.

    2) Learn how simply being present can have a lasting impact on your children—even when you're not at your best.

    3) Gain perspective, comfort, and a few laughs from a fellow dad who's walked through the same darkness and is here to remind you: you're not broken, you're human.

    Press play now to hear five down-to-earth thoughts that might just help you win today even if winning just means getting out of bed.

    Dad's Mental Health Podcast

    👉 Follow for weekly episodes packed with relatable stories, mental health tips, and a healthy dose of humour.

    📩 Want to share your story or join James on a future episode?

    Email: mydadmissions@gmail.com

    To buy my book click this link

    First Time Dad

    ABOUT THE HOST

    Hello, I'm James & not long ago, I was a very anxious and somewhat overwhelmed husband & dad.

    After about a decade of setbacks & enough coffee to sink a ship, I’m a much happier dad.

    As previously mentioned, I want to try & help other dads be the best they can without losing their mental health.

    Mental health battles are something I am all too familiar with.

    In 2010, my GP suggested I do a 12-week CBT course with the NHS. During this course, I was diagnosed as having Pure OCD, which explained a lot.

    To Buy My Audiobook, First Time Dad, Click this link

    USEFUL RESOURCES

    For your free digital copy of my book One Dad & His Dog

    Please click this link

    Again to be double awesome & leave a review on Amazon

    Please click this link

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    7 mins
  • #317 | Dad Mind Matters to Dad's Mental Health: A Fresh Start With the Same Awful Jokes
    Apr 8 2025

    Welcome to the newly rebranded Dad's Mental Health

    The podcast for new and seasoned dads navigating the rollercoaster of fatherhood with a smile, a groan-worthy dad joke, and honest conversations about mental health.

    In this intro episode, host James (a happily married dad of three living near Brighton) shares why he changed the podcast name from Dad Mind Matters, what you can expect moving forward, and how stories from other dads—along with some cold showers, jujitsu, and questionable songs—have helped him manage anxiety, OCD, and daily stress.

    Whether you're wiping bums before breakfast or sneaking chocolate biscuits during nap time, this podcast is your reminder: you’re not alone, and it’s okay to laugh while figuring it all out.

    👉 Subscribe for biweekly episodes packed with relatable stories, mental health tips, and a healthy dose of humour.

    📩 Want to share your story or join James on a future episode?

    Email: mydadmissions@gmail.com

    To buy my book click this link

    First Time Dad

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    4 mins
  • #286 | How To Effectively Support A Man Struggling With Mental Illness - Parenting, Marriage & Mental Health Support For Dads
    Apr 7 2025

    Have you ever had a moment where your body seemed to betray you—your heart racing, your palms sweating, and your mind spiralling out of control?

    What if you could take back control and stop anxiety from ruling your life?

    Anxiety and panic attacks can feel like a relentless cycle, leaving you exhausted and overwhelmed.

    Whether you've experienced your first panic attack or have battled anxiety for years, you're not alone.

    In this episode, bestselling author Brian Sachetta shares his personal struggles and hard-won strategies for overcoming anxiety.

    You'll hear about the first time he had a panic attack, the surprising lessons he learned, and the techniques that helped him regain control of his mental health.

    By listening to this episode, you will:

    ✅ Discover why anxiety thrives on secrecy and how opening up can instantly weaken its grip.

    ✅ Learn simple but effective techniques to calm your nervous system and prevent panic attacks.

    ✅ Gain a fresh perspective on mental health that will make you feel less alone in your struggles.

    Hit play now to hear Brian’s powerful insights and start taking back control of your anxiety today! 🎧

    To contact Brian click this link

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    27 mins

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