This Men’s Health Week, enter St John of God Raphael Services Healthy Men, Healthy Minds photo competition and help raise awareness of men’s perinatal mental health and the free emotional support available to new dads who might be struggling.
Take a snap of the special moments between a child and significant man in their lives and enter it in the competition for the opportunity to win a DJI Mini SE drone or one of two $50 Coles Group and Myer vouchers.
St John of God Raphael Services offers free early intervention counselling, therapy and support for parents, enabling mums and dads to thrive – emotionally, physically and as a family.
St John of God Raphael Services Director Community Mental Health Services, Anna-Marie Thompson, says up to one in 10 men experience anxiety or depression when they welcome a new baby or when their partner is pregnant.
“New dads may experience perinatal mental illness even if their partner does not, and they’re twice as likely to experience perinatal mental illness if their partner is suffering,” she says.
“Male role models come in all shapes and sizes, but the relationship between a child and the significant man in their life is crucial to shaping their understanding of the world.”
Anna said it’s important to be aware of the symptoms of perinatal anxiety and depression so you can recognise them in yourself, your partner, friends and family members, and encourage them to seek help.
“Through Healthy Men, Healthy Minds, we want to let dads and other male role models know that it’s okay to ask for help if they’re struggling with the emotional challenges of parenting.
“Accessing the right support early can help parents get their family life off to the best start possible.”
The Healthy Men, Healthy Minds photo competition will run from 13-26 June. A public vote will choose 10 finalists and a panel of judges will select the winners which will be announced on 7 July on the St John of God Health Care website and Facebook page.
For more information and to enter the competition, visit www.sjog.org.au/healthymen. Terms and conditions apply.
Fact box
Signs and symptoms of perinatal anxiety and depression
- Feeling overwhelmed and unable to cope
- Trouble relaxing and falling asleep
- Anger and irritability
- Withdrawal from relationships
- Loss of interest in activities that are normally enjoyable
- Changes in appetite
- Engaging in risk-taking behaviours
- Increased use of drugs and alcohol
What to do if you are concerned about your emotional health
Men or women who are experiencing perinatal anxiety and depression are encouraged to make an appointment with their GP who can connect them to treatment and support through providers such as St John of God Raphael Services.