What is paternal postnatal depression?

About 1 in 10 expecting or new fathers in Australia experience perinatal depression and/or anxiety (PANDA; Pregnancy Birth and Baby). Distress in men often looks like irritability, withdrawal, anger, overwork, or physical tension rather than tears, so it is easy to miss.

Clinical hypnotherapy can support regulation and the identity shift of fatherhood while you stay linked to your GP. Hub: Parenting.

Signs that are easy to dismiss

Snappiness or a short fuse; switching off from partner or baby; working longer to avoid home; sleep problems, drinking more, or body aches; feeling useless or trapped. These are reasons to check in with a GP, not proof that you have failed.

How hypnotherapy helps

Sessions work with automatic stress responses, shame, and the pressure to just get on with it. They are not couples therapy unless both people ask for that. You can book alone.

Treatment and fees

Initial $300 (up to 90 minutes). Returning $300 (up to 60 minutes). Norwest or Zoom Australia-wide.

Help for dads

PANDA supports dads: 1300 726 306. Lifeline 13 11 14. 000 in emergency. Hypnotherapy complements medical care and does not diagnose.