Update: The DadBooster evaluation has now concluded, and DadBooster is available for eligible dads to access.
Becoming a father is a major life transition. Along with the excitement of welcoming a new baby, many dads experience significant changes to their identity, relationships, responsibilities and daily routines. For some fathers, these changes can lead to feelings of stress, anxiety, exhaustion, loneliness or feeling overwhelmed. Many dads find it difficult to ask for help when they are struggling. They may feel pressure to be the strong one, worry about being judged, or simply not recognise that what they are experiencing is something that can be treated.
DadBooster is a free online program designed specifically for fathers experiencing depression, anxiety or feeling overwhelmed after the birth of their child. The program provides practical strategies to help dads understand their experiences, improve their emotional wellbeing and develop skills to manage the challenges of early parenthood.
Learn more about DadBooster and access the program here.
Many dads experience mental health challenges after becoming a parent
While much of the focus during pregnancy and early parenthood is understandably placed on the health and wellbeing of mothers and babies, dads can also experience significant emotional challenges during this time. Research shows that around 1 in 10 new fathers experience anxiety or depression. For some dads, difficulties develop during pregnancy, while for others they emerge gradually during the first year after their baby arrives.
Many fathers experience changes such as feeling constantly stressed, losing interest in things they previously enjoyed, becoming more withdrawn, feeling disconnected from their partner or baby, or finding it difficult to cope with everyday responsibilities.
If you would like to learn more about the signs of depression in new dads, read our article: Depression in New Dads: Signs, Support and Treatment Options.
Why dads may not seek support
Many fathers who experience depression or anxiety do not seek traditional support services. Some may feel uncomfortable talking about their emotions, while others may believe they should be able to manage on their own. Practical barriers can also make accessing support difficult. New dads are often balancing work, family responsibilities, disrupted sleep and caring for a new baby, leaving little time or energy to attend appointments.
Online treatment programs can help overcome some of these barriers by allowing people to access support privately, from home and at a time that suits them.
What is DadBooster?
DadBooster is an online treatment program based on Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), an evidence-based approach that helps people understand the connection between their thoughts, feelings and behaviours. The six-session program has been developed specifically for fathers and provides practical strategies to help dads manage symptoms of depression and anxiety, cope with the challenges of early parenthood and improve their wellbeing.
DadBooster allows dads to work through the program at their own pace. Supportive SMS messages provide encouragement and reminders as dads complete each session, helping them stay connected with their progress.
Developed with Australian dads, for Australian dads
DadBooster was developed by the Parent-Infant Research Institute (PIRI) to address an important gap in mental health support for fathers. Research into treatments for new fathers has highlighted the need for support options that recognise the unique experiences of dads and are delivered in ways that fathers are more likely to access.
By providing an accessible online treatment option, DadBooster aims to help more fathers receive support when they need it.
Could DadBooster help you?
If you are a new or expectant dad and you have been feeling overwhelmed, anxious, low or unlike yourself, DadBooster may be a useful place to start. You do not need to wait until things become unbearable before seeking support. Taking steps to look after your own mental health can benefit you, your partner and your baby.
