Father's Day a good reminder to keep an eye out for new dads: Deakin expert

Dr Jacqui Macdonald, a lecturer in Deakin's School of Psychology and leader of the Men and Parenting Pathways study, said research estimated about 10 per cent of Australian men experienced psychological stress after the birth of a child, yet their mental health was often overlooked.

"The focus is naturally on mums and infants in the first year postpartum but parenthood is also a huge adjustment for men and this comes with some vulnerability and risk," Dr Macdonald said.

"For both parents it's a major psychological adjustment, as well as a physical one, with big changes to your availability, sleep, finances and opportunities."

"And that's okay, while we publically concentrate on the joy and rewards of parenthood, it's not always going to feel wonderful; it is a challenge and it's okay that it feels difficult, but the key is supporting each other."

Dr Macdonald said traditionally a father's role was seen as a support for mum and baby, but while dads were often expected to be 'the rock' of the family during this time, they often felt vulnerable too.

"It's this idea that the mother is holding the baby and the father is holding the mother. But who is holding the father?

"It's an important role for a father to support mother and child, but it's also important for families to support each other.

"It can often be hard for new dads to know where to go for support, they don’t necessarily have an equivalent of a formal mother’s group and they might not want one.

"But we also know that men are inclined to reduce their social activity over this time, partly because of tiredness and greater responsibilities at home.

"When fathers are struggling, there's a flow on effect for their partners and their children. To forget fathers are part of that circle is detrimental to everybody."

Dr Macdonald said some early research showed a decrease of testosterone in men in the postpartum period, which could be linked to an increased risk of depressive symptoms.

But she said new dads who were struggling might not always exhibit textbook signs of depression.

"We find that when men are feeling depressed they will often demonstrate that through irritability, anger and/or a short temper.

"So it might not look like depression. But there could be other signs such as drinking a little bit more, self-medicating with a few extra beers at the end of the day."

Dr Macdonald said there were some easy ways people could offer support to new dads.

"Most important is to be near, be available and lend an ear," she said.

"Self-reliance is not necessarily a good thing in this case. We all benefit from knowing that there are people around us who care.

"While there are practical things you can do like mow a friend's lawn or take around a home-cooked meal, also just being there for a chat or to watch a game of footy is important too. It's critical we look out for the fathers in our community."

Perinatal Anxiety and Depression Australia offers support services for new dads. More information can be found at their website www.howisdadgoing.org.au or by calling 1300 726 306.