Every day, the PANDA National Helpline supports men who
- Call about their own mental health and wellbeing.
- Want to chat about ways they can support their partner in pregnancy and early parenthood.
- Want resources to support a family member or other loved ones.
Sometimes dads are referred to us by healthcare providers like doctors, and child and family health nurses.
Common things dads talk about
We talk about anything (and everything) with the dads we support at PANDA.
- Expectations vs reality of fatherhood.
- Stress management.
- Relationship issues.
- Debrief about the birth.
- Birth trauma recovery.
- Caring for newborn, bonding with baby.
Calling the PANDA Helpline
If you’re wondering what happens when you call the PANDA Helpline - there’s no issue too big or small to chat about with us. Whatever’s on your mind, we provide a confidential, nonjudgemental space for you to talk about it.
We offer follow up calls, and a peer support program. You can chat to another parent who’s been where you are now, and they provide support that comes from their own lived experience of perinatal mental health challenges.
“It’s a privilege to provide new dads with a conversation space where they can safely explore their thoughts and feelings in a time of great change, adjustment, and vulnerability.”
Top tips for men calling PANDA
1
If you're not sure when to call
2
If you’re driving when you call
3
If everything feels overwhelming
4
If you’re home alone with your baby or children
5
If you think of things that you’d like to chat about between PANDA calls
6
If you don’t know where to start
Your first call
What to expect during your first call
Your PANDA counsellor will:
- Ask a few questions to get a sense of how we can best support you.
- Listen, and help you explore your situation and options.
- Follow up with an email including any resources discussed in the call.
“Take comfort in knowing you aren't alone and if you feel like you have no support, contact PANDA”
PANDA is here to support dads
It’s okay to not know how you’re feeling and feel like you don’t know what you’re doing. There’s no such thing as a universal dad guidebook, just the choices you make for yourself and your family. Dads need and deserve support, no matter what’s happening in life – and we know you’re doing your best.
PANDA’s here for you, whenever you’d like to chat about it.
Articles
Information and support for dads
PANDA National Helpline
Find someone to talk to, Monday to Saturday.
1300 726 306
Call 000 for police and ambulance if you or someone else are in immediate danger
Talk with friends or family
Consider talking about how you are feeling with someone you trust. This might be a friend or family member. Once you starting talking you might be surprised at how many others have had similar experiences and the support they can provide you.
Talk with your doctor
Talking with your doctor can be an important step to getting the help you need. They should be able to give you non-judgemental support, assessment, diagnosis, and ongoing care and treatment. They can also refer you to specialists such as a counsellor, psychologist or psychiatrist.
Get help now
If you are having suicidal thoughts or are feeling disorientated it’s important to get help immediately. PANDA is not a crisis service, if you need immediate support call Lifeline 13 11 14 (24/7).