Support for dad
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The arrival of a new baby can be a very exciting time, but it can also be a challenging time for the dads and support partners. It is common to feel overwhelmed and stressed at times during the pregnancy or when looking after a new baby, with 1 in 10 new dads experiencing perinatal anxiety or depression (PNDA).
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Perinatal depression and Anxiety (PNDA) in dads
Expectant and new fathers can experience a range of mental health concerns including depression and anxiety during pregnancy and in the postnatal period and are more likely to experience these conditions if their partner is also experiencing a perinatal mental health condition.
Research shows that parents who receive timely professional counselling have the best chances of recovering more quickly from PNDA and going on to become the parents they want to be.
Dads experiencing symptoms of PNDA can seek support by starting a conversation with a trusted person, spending time with other Dads, or talking to friends, family or health professionals. Offloading and sharing fears and frustrations with a good listener is a good way to help dads work through negative emotions and feelings.
Dads play an important role in their baby's development and wellbeing, so seeking appropriate support to help improve their mental health can allow dads to have a more positive relationship with their baby.
Dads can be more reluctant to access mental health services, and when they do, they may report more physical or cognitive symptoms, including headaches, irritability, or difficulty concentrating at work. Dads may also minimise their own emotional distress, so knowing what to look for and where to access support is very important.
Barriers to seeking help
Dads experiencing any symptoms of PNDA are encouraged to make an appointment with their GP, who have the professional skills to identify the appropriate support and next steps.
Accessing help for perinatal depression and anxiety may feel uncomfortable or even daunting to begin with. Making the first contact with a professional and asking for help is not always easy.
Sometimes dads don’t seek help because:
- They may not realise they have a problem that can be treated
- They think perinatal depression and anxiety is only something mums experience
- The stigma associated with mental health problems
- Many dads hide behind masks, not even sharing their feelings with close friends
- Many dads are afraid of asking for help
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Parenthood can be a wonderful and special time, but it also has its challenges.PNDA for dads
Helpful resources for dads
Beyond Blue | Anxiety and depression test (K10)
A short test that asks 10 questions about how you’ve been feeling over the past 4 weeks. Completing the K10 test will help you understand what kind of support you might need right now. The test is suitable for people looking to seek help for themselves.
Beyond Blue | Postpartum depression
Provides easy to understand mental health information about postpartum depression. Beyond Blue also provides 24/7 qualified support online or over the phone.
COPE | Fathers and partners resources
Helpful information to help fathers and partners adjust to the emotional challenges of becoming a parent. COPE is Australia's peak body in perinatal mental health, providing support to mothers and families during the journey of parenthood.
DadSpace
Dedicated to supporting fathers across Australia by providing information, strategies, tips, and resources specifically for dads. DadBooster is a free online program designed to help dads who are experiencing symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Emerging Minds | Father's mental health and parenting
Dedicated to advancing the mental health of Australian children, with free online courses, programs and resources. This article explores how fathers with greater partner support and better mental health feel more effective in their parenting and have more positive interactions with their children.
Mensline Australia
Free professional phone and online counselling to men across Australia 24 hours a day. Experienced counsellors are here to listen, understand, and provide support for a range of issues.
NSW Health | A guide for dads
Videos and articles from NSW Health for dads about how to take care of your baby, how to get support and how to give support during perinatal illness.
PANDA
PANDA supports parents and families during pregnancy and throughout the first year of parenthood. PANDA operates Australia’s only National Perinatal Mental Health Helpline for individuals, their families, support people and health care providers.
Parents at Work
Advisory and learning provider, dedicated to advancing workplace inclusion, gender equality and wellbeing outcomes for businesses and families.
Raisingchildren.net.au
Provides free, reliable, up-to-date and independent information to help your family grow and thrive together. It is funded by the Australian Government, reviewed by experts and non-commercial.
Red Nose | SANDS
Provides practical advice to help dads navigate the heartbreak and devastation of losing your baby or child. Red Nose is Australia’s leading authority on pregnancy advice, and bereavement support.
SMS 4 Dads
Available for new dads to receive messages of support via text from 12 weeks into a pregnancy and throughout the first year of parenthood. The messages have been developed by health professionals and researchers.
The Fathering Project
Evidence-based programs and resources to help Dads and father figures to build their parenting knowledge, skills and confidence.
The Father Hood
A virtual “neighbourhood” or community that offers support, advice and inspiration for dads everywhere.
You Got This Mate
Provides tips and info to help rural men reach their best possible mental health.
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