A world-first smartphone program designed in part by University of Newcastle researchers to tackle depression, stress, isolation and anxiety in first-time dads is likely to be rolled out nationally.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
In 2015, beyondblue partnered with University of Newcastle and the Movember Foundation to create SMS4dads – a free program dedicated to improving new dads’ mental health.
Results of a national trial of the program showed 92 per cent of participating dads found the service helpful.
Beyondblue hopes to see the service become an ongoing, national program and encourages fathers to register at sms4dads.com
SMS4dads sends regular text messages to fathers offering uncomplicated information, advice and encouragement during the life-changing experience.
For many first-time dads the sudden responsibility of caring for a newborn, expectations of providing financial support, and the drastic change in lifestyle can take a toll.
Research shows one in seven new dads experiences a high level of psychological distress while adjusting to fatherhood.
One in 10 first-time fathers develops postnatal depression.
The SMS service is synchronised with each baby’s development so dads receive timely and relevant advice about supporting their partner during pregnancy and caring for their newborn.
SMS4dads also provides an easy-to-use tool that tracks each father’s mood and stress levels. Dads who are consistently stressed or feeling low receive additional support and a phone call offering information about services.
SMS4dads project leader, University of Newcastle associate professor Richard Fletcher said the program worked because it was easy to access, private and provided practical solutions.
“Many fathers believe their main role is to provide for their family, which can place extraordinary pressure on their shoulders. Often, their own mental health is the last thing dads think about,” he said.
“It can be hard to engage men, especially when it comes to mental health but this approach, using the latest digital technology, is convenient and appeals to men.”
Among the trial participants was Michael Cummings, 31, a supply chain manager for Coles, and dad to nine-month-old Olivia.
“What I liked most was the timeliness of the messages – you enter your baby’s due date when you sign up, so at five months the information you get is about what your wife is going through (in her pregnancy) at five months and the kinds of things you should prepare for,” Mr Cummings said.
“In general, we (men) are fairly lazy and we also have other priorities. With SMS4dads there wasn’t a lot of effort from my end; I was simply at home and a text message would come through that I could read at any time.”
