Dads deserve support too
Becoming a dad can bring a lot of change. There can be excitement, pressure, responsibility and sometimes overwhelm.
This Men’s Health Week, we are shining a light on something often missed.
Dads’ mental health during pregnancy and early parenthood.
Support for dads
You're not alone
Many expecting and new dads experience mental health challenges, even if they do not recognise it straight away.
You might feel:
- Constantly tired or overwhelmed
- Worried, stressed or on edge
- Frustrated, irritable or shut down
- Like you need to hold it all together for everyone else
You deserve support with this. Just as much as anyone else.
Take the first step
- Check how you’re feeling with our quick checklist
- Learn what support could help
- Reach out early if something does not feel right
→ Complete our mental health checklist
→ Talk to a PANDA Helpline counsellor
Info for dads
Useful articles
Info for health care providers
Dads are often present in care and want to be involved.
How they are included in care can shape how confident, informed and supported they feel in their role.
Simple actions can help dads feel more comfortable, informed and able to support their partner and baby.
What dads want health care providers to know
"In the vast majority of cases that Dad is just as invested and just as interested in it all as the Mum". - Joel
"That we feel every up and every down of the journey and then we are so often left supporting our partners through their most darkest hours too whilst parking our own emotions to remain strong for them." – Matthew
"That both father and mother are equally invested. That they both love their child. Both will be involved in the care. If the Dad is made to feel included and empowered than he will rise to the occasion. One of the best ways to support the Mum, is to empower the Dad to feel comfortable and knowledgeable and able to take on the load (both cognitively and physically)." – Jack
Stories
Real stories from dads
Mental health checklist
How are you going?
Everyone’s experience of pregnancy, birth and parenting is unique and brings different rewards and challenges.
Complete our online mental health checklist to see if what you’re experiencing or observing in a loved one could be a reason to seek help.