Becoming a dad

Self-care for fathers

Being a new parent is tough on you as a father too, and self-care is important. It is vitally important that you take good care of yourself so you can take the best care of your family.

  • Get out with the baby and walk, exercise is incredible for positive well-being
  • Sleep when you can, if the baby is having a day nap there is no reason why you can't.
  • Keep in touch with friends and family they are your support network and will reassure your worries
  • Talk to other dads for advice, they might have some great top tips
  • If you and your partner can enjoy a bit of time together then take the opportunity to enjoy each other's company even if it's a film while the baby sleeps

Your mental health

Having a baby brings a lot of changes. You may be worried about lack of sleep, being a good parent, money problems or changes in your relationship. Some partners feel anxious or depressed during the pregnancy or after the birth.

Asking for help

It's important to talk to someone if you feel like you're not coping, or you often feel angry or stressed. You can talk to friends, family, your GP or health visitor. Your health visitor is there for you as well as your partner. They can support you with relationship and parenting problems.

Postnatal depression in men and partners

It's not just mums and birthing parents who get postnatal depression. Dads and non-birthing parents can get it too.

Signs of postnatal depression can include:

  • often feeling irritable or angry
  • finding it hard to concentrate
  • feeling guilty or hopeless
  • thinking that you're not a good enough parent

NHS talking therapies

If you live in England and are aged 18 or over, you can access NHS talking therapies services for anxiety and depression. You need to be registered with a GP to get talking therapies on the NHS. A GP can refer you, or you can refer yourself directly without a referral.

NHS talking therapies services offer:

  • talking therapies, such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), counselling, other therapies, and guided self-help
  • help with common mental health problems, like anxiety and depression

PANDAS has social media channels for anyone affected by postnatal depression, including partners.

Health Visiting: 01702 534911

The Samaritans: 116 123

Mind - Dads need support.