Male callers to an Australian perinatal depression and anxiety help line-Understanding issues and concerns

Area of Science:

• Perinatal Mental Health
• Fathers' Mental Health
• Parent-Infant Relationships

Background:

• Growing awareness of men's challenges in the perinatal period.
• Partner relationship issues and vulnerability factors increase mental health risks for fathers.
• Limited understanding of fathers' help-seeking behaviors for perinatal mental health issues.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine fathers' contacts with the Perinatal Anxiety and Depression Australia (PANDA) National Helpline.
• To identify fathers' needs for assistance, relationship issues, and support requirements.
• To understand fathers' concerns regarding their own and their partner's mental health.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of helpline contacts from fathers (N = 129).
• Categorization of caller concerns including mental health, relationship issues, and support needs.
• Comparison of reported mental health concerns with community data.

Main Results:

• 70% of male callers reported concerns about the mother's mental health.
• 57% of callers were concerned about relationship breakdown.
• 43% of men raised issues about their own mental health, with elevated rates of anxiety and depression concerns compared to community data.
• Fathers reported difficulties with the fathering role and emotional regulation (guilt, frustration).
• Concerns were raised about the impact of maternal mental state on the father-infant relationship.

Conclusions:

• Men require significant support when a mother experiences perinatal mental health problems.
• Fathers are at risk of distress and mental health challenges during the perinatal period.
• Helpline services are crucial for addressing fathers' diverse needs in perinatal care.