Drawing on data from Ten To Men – Australia's longitudinal study on male health – this report explores mental health, physical health and the barriers men face in accessing care when they become fathers for the first time. It finds that the role of health services, especially general practitioners, in promoting preconception health is critical to ensure men are positioned to successfully navigate fatherhood. 

The findings highlight the overall positive impact of becoming a father on mental health in the early stages of fatherhood. The report also supports the importance of interventions focused on improving the health of men early (e.g. in late adolescence/early adulthood), given the strong associations between pre-fatherhood and post-fatherhood depression in first-time fathers. 

Key findings

• First-time fathers are 29% less likely to experience moderate or severe depression in the year after their child is born compared to non-fathers.
• Younger fathers, those in more disadvantaged areas, and those in major cities are more likely to experience new-onset depression during the first year of fatherhood.
• About 10% of first-time fathers do not access any health services during the first year of fatherhood.
• Over a third of new fathers face barriers to care, including long wait times, service availability, work commitments, cost and transport issues.  
• Risk factors for the onset of depression in new fathers were identified as being younger, living in a disadvantaged area and living in a major city.

The report is accompanied by a supplementary materials document.