Special Envoy for Men's Health, Dan Repacholi MP, has backed Movember's call for routine mental health screening for new dads following the release of new research highlighting the pressures many Australian fathers face during early parenthood.
Movember's More Than a Provider report surveyed more than 1,200 Australian fathers with children aged 0 to 10 and found three in five new dads were never asked about their mental health during their partner's pregnancy or in the first year after birth.
Mr Repacholi said the findings showed modern dads are more involved, more open and more determined than ever to be present for their families, but too many are struggling in silence.
"Becoming a dad is one of the proudest moments in a bloke's life, but it can also be one of the hardest," Mr Repacholi said.
"Aussie dads are stepping up for their kids and families in really positive ways, but too often nobody checks in to see how they're coping.
"We need to make it easier for dads to talk about their health, get support early and stay connected during one of the biggest transitions of their lives."
The report found:
- 84 per cent of dads said becoming a father gave their life greater meaning;
- 77 per cent said it helped them express love and vulnerability more openly;
- 72 per cent said they are more involved in day to day care than their own father was; and
- more than three in four fathers said fatherhood is more important than career success.
Despite these positive trends, one in four fathers rated their physical or mental health as poor or fair during the first year of fatherhood.
The report also found dads experiencing financial pressure were significantly more likely to report poor physical and mental health outcomes.
Movember Global Director of Men's Health Research Dr Zac Seidler said supporting fathers benefits the whole family.
"Dads want to be present, involved and healthy for their families," Dr Seidler said.
"The opportunity now is to build practical support around fathers, including routine check ins, confident health workers and community programs that help dads stay connected."
Mr Repacholi said he would continue working with organisations including Movember to encourage men to seek support earlier and speak more openly about their health.
