For years, St John of God Raphael Services has been supporting parents through the emotional challenges of parenthood through early intervention counselling, therapy and support.
This Men’s Health Week, the service is running a Healthy Men, Healthy Minds photo competition to help raise awareness for men’s perinatal mental health.
A DJI Mini SE drone or one of two $50 Coles Group and Myer vouchers are on offer for the best snaps of a special moment between a child and a significant man in their lives.
St John of God Raphael Services director community mental health services Anna-Marie Thompson said 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 said.
“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 was 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 sjog.org.au/healthymen
St John of God Raphael Services Berwick is at 57 Fairholme Boulevard.
