Father’s Day, Alcoholism, and Mental Health Recovery: A Personal and Professional Reflection

At Astral Health, Father’s Day is a time for reflection — not only celebration, but also compassion. Many fathers carry invisible struggles with depression, anxiety, trauma, and substance use. Today, I want to honor all fathers: those who are strong in recovery, those who are seeking help, and those who are still finding their way toward mental health and healing.

This topic is deeply personal to me. My own father battled alcoholism. My parents divorced when I was 5 years old, and while my memories of my father are distant, the impact of his addiction shaped my early life and my family’s path. My father made several courageous attempts at treatment, but ultimately lost his battle with alcohol at the young age of 49.

Though painful, these experiences became part of my motivation to enter the field of mental health and addiction treatment. Today, as a psychiatric nurse practitioner specializing in addiction, I help individuals and families navigate the very challenges my family once faced. I have seen the powerful ways that healing is possible — not only for individuals, but for entire families who are touched by substance use disorders.

Addiction is a complex condition — not a moral failing. It often walks hand-in-hand with depression, anxiety, unresolved trauma, and emotional pain. Many fathers turn to substances to cope with overwhelming stress, silent suffering, or untreated mental health concerns. This is especially true for many veterans and active duty service members in our Norfolk community, who face unique mental health challenges related to deployment, trauma, and military service.

Unfortunately, stigma, shame, and fear of judgment still keep many from seeking professional help. But recovery is possible. With comprehensive treatment — including therapy, medication-assisted treatment, psychiatric care, and ongoing support — fathers can rebuild relationships, regain health, and reclaim their role as providers, protectors, and role models. Mental health care is not about weakness — it’s about strength and courage.

At Astral Health, we recognize that Father’s Day, alcoholism, and mental health recovery are deeply connected for many families we serve.

• Fathers who are thriving in recovery.

• Fathers who are taking their first brave steps toward help.

• Fathers who may be struggling quietly, but have not given up hope.

• Fathers who serve or have served in our armed forces.

If you or someone you love is facing depression, anxiety, or addiction, know that compassionate, evidence-based care is available. Healing is possible, and no one has to walk this road alone.

On this Father’s Day, we celebrate not only the joy of fatherhood, but also the strength it takes to seek healing — for oneself, for one’s children, and for future generations.

If you or a loved one needs support, Astral Health offers mental health and addiction treatment services with respect, compassion, and clinical expertise. Contact us to schedule a confidential consultation.