Support for dads
Expecting a baby and being a new dad can be an exciting and challenging time. We’re here to help.
Fatherhood brings big changes
Becoming a new dad is a life-changing event. The father’s role in the family has changed dramatically over the past few decades. Today, dads are much more involved, both in the practicalities of parenting and in building their relationship with their baby.
Many new dads experience some trouble adjusting to parenthood.
Even when change is positive, it can still be challenging. Having mixed and complex emotions as an expecting or new dad is completely normal, but these can be confronting emotions to manage.
Here you'll find useful information to support your journey as a father. You'll also find information about where to seek help if you are struggling.
Building a bond
HOW DADS CAN BUILD A STRONG BOND WITH THEIR BABY
Activities that help you connect with your baby during pregnancy and in the first year after birth can help you stress less and develop confidence in your parenting skills early on.
Find tips on how to build a strong bond during pregnancy and with your newborn.
BRAD’S STORY: A DAD’S EXPERIENCE OF ANXIETY IN THE POSTNATAL PERIOD
I had not really experienced much by way of mental illness in the past, or even really considered that I could be prone to it. As such, it was hard to understand exactly what it was, let alone acknowledge that I had some form of anxiety I was unable to cope with. I wanted to remain strong but at the same time, not acknowledging it was becoming detrimental.
For me now, supporting my mental health is an important, ongoing part of my life. No different to maintaining physical health through regular exercise and healthy eating. After I found the right support, the challenges I faced were still difficult, but slowly over time I saw gradual improvement.
Perinatal anxiety and depression in dads
Signs and symptoms
Dads can experience anxiety and depression symptoms during pregnancy and after their baby is born too.
This is nothing to be ashamed of, as postnatal mental health concerns are common, affecting up to 1 in 10 expecting and new dads.
We know that everyone experiences antenatal anxiety and depression differently. Learn about the emotional, behavioural, and physical signs and symptoms that you might notice.
“AS THE MAN, YOU FEEL THAT YOU NEED TO TAKE ALL OF THIS ON YOURSELF AND KEEP THINGS GOING. TO BE HONEST, YOU CAN’T. IT’S NOT HEALTHY OR SMART TO JUST THINK YOU CAN COPE. NEVER BE AFRAID TO TELL ANYONE WHAT YOU NEED. DON’T LIE ABOUT HOW YOU’RE DOING, TO YOURSELF OR ANYONE ELSE. IF YOU’RE STRUGGLING, SAY SO. SPEAK TO YOUR DOCTOR, FRIENDS OR FAMILY.”
Find help
Getting support
Help’s available if you’re having a hard time.
Men can find it more difficult to reach out for help and support due to feelings of shame, cultural stigma and other barriers to receiving mental health support.
Learn the symptoms of perinatal depression and anxiety in dads and where you can find help.
Calling the PANDA Helpline
What can dads expect when calling the PANDA Helpline?
When you call PANDA, we’ll provide confidential space for you to talk through any concerns you may have as an expecting or new parent, or support person.
Articles for expecting and new dads
Find information to support the transition to parenthood
Supporting your partner
Supporting a partner struggling with their mental health
DANIEL’S STORY: SHOWING YOURSELF LOVE DURING PERINATAL CHALLENGES
Having ADHD and lots of internal monologue, I couldn’t ever "switch off". I was constantly judging myself and comparing myself to friends who managed to make their relationship work and wondering why I couldn’t. I wondered would I be a great dad? Will Archie resent me like I did my dad? It was the toughest time I've faced in my life.
It was great to know I had support from people that genuinely loved and cared about me, but I needed to give that love to myself. To not be harsh and critical and to understand that these inconveniences in life are part of a bigger picture. These times helped me build an unbelievable amount of resilience, a new lens and a love for myself and the unique qualities I possess.
Real life stories
More stories from dads just like you
SMS4Dads
SMS4dads is a free service designed specifically for dads that sends text messages with tips, info and links to your phone just when you and your baby need it.
The free text messages help dads feel more supported and included in their parenting journey.
Mental health checklist
How are you going?
Everyone’s experience of pregnancy, birth and parenting is unique and brings different rewards and challenges. Our mental health checklist can help you to see if what you’re experiencing or observing in a loved one could be reason to seek help.
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).