Young dad seeks to make it easier on fellows

When his daughter Phoebe was born 16 months ago, young father Thomas Powell expected his life to change, but found nothing had prepared him for the ensuing challenges.

Mr Powell, 22, like many others, found parental life difficult — sleepless nights, irritability, financial stress and an inability to remain focused on work.

He is studying health promotion and began research into post-natal depression, which led to the creation of his social media campaign, Don’t Forget About Dad.

“Everything just seemed to be harder than what I thought it would be,” Mr Powell said.

“I was working on a lot of assignments to do with mental health and I came across post-natal depression.

“I wondered if there was something in it for men ... there was.”

According to Perinatal Anxiety and Depression Australia (PANDA) up to one in 10 new dads struggle with depression and anxiety after the birth of their child.

“It’s a completely different lifestyle to before,” Mr Powell said.

“And being a relatively young dad and seeing all your mates going out.

“I thought I’d be able to do whatever I wanted, whenever I wanted, just with Phoebe, but that was not the case.”

Mr Powell said his wife Kellie was very supportive, which prompted him to raise awareness about the issue.

“My incentive is just to get men talking about it with their partner, friends, family and, of course, professionals,” he said.

“It’s something that can affect yourself, partner and newborn baby.

“I was very fortunate to have Kel, but I know lots of dads out there who don’t (have someone).

“And it is a relatively new concept, so not many people have heard of it.”