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. 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.
Dads can experience anxiety and depression symptoms during pregnancy and after their baby is born too. Help’s available if you’re having a hard time.
Here you'll find useful information about fatherhood and mental wellbeing.
Signs and symptoms
Symptoms of perinatal anxiety and depression can look different for each dad.
I WOULD SIT AT MY DESK FOR HOURS, WITH MY HEAD IN MY HANDS, TRYING TO THINK MY WAY THROUGH ALL THE COMPETING PRESSURES I WAS FEELING.
I WOULD SIT AT MY DESK FOR HOURS, WITH MY HEAD IN MY HANDS, TRYING TO THINK MY WAY THROUGH ALL THE COMPETING PRESSURES I WAS FEELING.
- Constant tiredness or exhaustion.
- High physical stress levels (eg headaches, muscle tension).
- Loss of interest in things you usually enjoy (eg work, relationships, down time).
- Appetite changes.
- Sleep problems (unrelated to baby’s sleep).
- Changes to sex drive and desire for intimacy.
- Irritability, anger, resentment, frustration, moodiness.
- Fear of looking after your baby, or avoiding caring for them.
- Feeling rejected by your partner as they focus on caring for baby.
- Emotional withdrawal from your partner, baby, family, friends.
- Not wanting to communicate with your loved ones.
- Feeling isolated and lonely.
- Using alcohol or drugs to ‘escape’ or cope.
- Thoughts of self-harm or suicide.
I WOULD SIT AT MY DESK FOR HOURS, WITH MY HEAD IN MY HANDS, TRYING TO THINK MY WAY THROUGH ALL THE COMPETING PRESSURES I WAS FEELING.
I WOULD SIT AT MY DESK FOR HOURS, WITH MY HEAD IN MY HANDS, TRYING TO THINK MY WAY THROUGH ALL THE COMPETING PRESSURES I WAS FEELING.
Find help
Getting support
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.
Helpful info for dads
Articles for expecting and new dads
Real life stories
Read stories from dads like you
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.