Research from Perinatal Anxiety and Depression Australia (PANDA) has revealed new and expecting dads completing its mental health checklist more than doubled in 2022 compared to 2021.
To mark Men’s Health Week, which started on June 12, PANDA announced 85 per cent of new and expecting dads feel worried, and seven in 10 admit to feeling sad or tearful.
The research also revealed 87 per cent felt isolated, 67 per cent felt a lack of confidence in becoming a parent, and 61 per cent experienced panic attacks.
A local Lancefield resident and father of three, Matt Carter, shared his own journey of doubts, anxiety and a postnatal depression diagnosis.
“I was really scared to become a dad,” Mr Carter said.
“My anxieties and fears of failure overwhelmed me after the births of my first two children [and] I was diagnosed with postnatal depression.”
Mr Carter said he did not know that men could be diagnosed with postnatal depression, but the support of his wife and a clinical psychologist has helped him in his journey.
“My wife was an absolute rock throughout it all and luckily we were able to find some light in the darkness in each other,” he said.
“I started seeing a clinical psychologist through my employer … and I was really able to take on board her advice.”
Mr Carter said his advice to anyone struggling is to talk it out, be around people who support you and find like-minded communities to workshop your emotions.
“Your room may be dark but there are plenty of others in there with you,” he said.
If you or someone you love needs support:
• PANDA Helpline on 1300 726 306 (9am-7:30pm Monday-Saturday) or panda.org.au
• Lifeline: 13 11 14 (24/7) or lifeline.org.au
Zoe Moffatt
