Fathers play an important role in promoting the health and early development of their children. Expectant and fathers can experience a range of mental health concerns during the perinatal period including irritability, negative mood, increased alcohol use, anxiety, anger and depression.
These experiences can impact the wellbeing of their families. This may include an increase in the likelihood of relationship challenges and negative paternal parenting behaviours. Many fathers report wanting to help and support their partners in the perinatal period but often feel unsure how to, and report feeling excluded or side-lined by formal and informal support services and systems. On top on this, the pressure to conform to stereotypes around being ‘strong’ and not needing mental health support can stigmatise help seeking.
To achieve positive outcomes for infants and families, it’s important that support is available that meets the needs of all expecting and new parents during the perinatal period.
This webinar will discuss:
- Fathers’ mental health concerns in the perinatal period
- Support fathers need during the perinatal period
- Fathers’ experiences of seeking support
- Practice tips and insights for supporting fathers during the perinatal period
This webinar will be of interest to non-specialist practitioners who may work with or encounter fathers or families in the perinatal period, including those working in generalist services with no experience providing mental health services.
This is co-production between CFCA and Emerging Minds in a series focusing on children’s mental health. They are working together as part of the Emerging Minds: National Workforce Centre for Child Mental Health, which is funded by the Australian Government Department of Health under the National Support for Child and Youth Mental Health Program.
Presenters: Carol Dabb, Kirsty Lowe and Claudius Reiman. Facilitated by Dan Moss.
Cost: Free
