ANXIOUS ABOUT COVID-19?
Supports to help expecting and new dads anxious about coronaviruS
As an expecting or new dad, it’s completely understandable to feel concerned about how COVID-19 might affect your own health as well as that of your baby, your wider family and other loved ones.
Here is a link to a resource for expecting and new parents who are worried or experiencing symptoms of anxiety related to the coronavirus and other global crises and disasters. This contains tips and advice compiled by PANDA’s team over many years drawing on evidence-based research and the experience of our callers and others who have accessed PANDA’s services.
We also have a number of other expert resources for all those on the parenting journey. Find them here.
Becoming a dad it can be hard to know what emotions and experiences are normal and which ones should worry you, especially when COVID-19 is also part of our lives. PANDA’s Mental Health Checklist for Expecting and New Parents is a free, anonymous online tool that asks questions about your thoughts and feelings and will give an indication of whether your experiences could be a reason to seek help.
PANDA’s Checklist is accessible and user friendly and its content was created with direct input from people – including dads – who experienced mental health difficulties as expecting or new parents, as well as experts in perinatal mental illness from PANDA’s counselling and research teams.
The Checklist asks questions about changes you may have noticed since starting the journey to becoming a parent – in your body and behaviour; in your thoughts and feelings; and in your relationships.
PANDA's National Perinatal Mental Health Helpline
If you are an expecting or new dad and experiencing increased pressures and emotions that impact on your ability to cope day to day – whether in relation to the coronavirus or any other of the many challenges of becoming a dad – please know that PANDA’s Helpline is available to support you.
Callers to PANDA’s Helpline are supported by someone who has a strong insight into how they are feeling and is extensively trained to help them.
PANDA’s National Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Helpline
1300 726 306
Monday – Saturday, 9am – 7.30pm AEST/AEDT
For immediate crisis support call Lifeline on 13 11 14 and in an emergency, always call triple zero (000).
Other services that can support you:
Lifeline Telephone and online chat support. 13 11 14
Beyond Blue Telephone and online chat support 1300 22 4636
Suicide Call Back Service Telephone and online counselling. 1300 659 467
Pregnancy, Birth and Baby Helpline Speak to a maternal child health nurse. 1800 882 436
Gidget's National Telehealth Program for Families Experiencing Perinatal Depression and Anxiety. 1300 851 758
Thrive Inside by Smiling Mind is an initiative to help you stay calm and healthy in the physical constraints of your home, while remaining calm and healthy inside your mind.
Visit this page for more information on what supports there are for individuals and families experiencing mental health difficulties in becoming parents.
Visit Head to Health for digital mental health resources from trusted providers.
For the latest health advice to protect yourself, your family, and your community from coronavirus (COVID-19), including basic hygiene tips, please visit the regularly updated Health Direct website.
If you suspect you or a family member has coronavirus you should contact the National Coronavirus Helpline on 1800 020 080.