It’s tempting to put on a brave face and give the impression to your family that you are coping well with work, fathering, or other aspects of your life, even when things are not going great. Bottling up your anger or frustration, though, can increase your stress levels and lead to a range of problems.

• Be honest with your partner – and your kids – about how you are going.
• Are there actions you can take to change the situation? If so, make a plan of action and focus on what you can do to improve things.
• Eat a healthy diet, exercise regularly, and cut down on smoking and alcohol to minimise the impact of stress on your body.
• Change your outlook – by focussing on the positive aspects of a situation rather than the negatives, situations can seem less threatening and stress-inducing.

Seek professional help if needed.