TODAY is International Father’s Mental Health Awareness Day. Yesterday we celebrated Father’s Day, and the obligatory socks and smellies were handed over in our house. But perhaps today is just as, if not more than, important to mark. It’s not uncommon for the mental health of fathers, particularly new fathers, to go overlooked but this has to change.

International Father’s Mental Health Awareness Day may particularly resonate for some dads out there. The pandemic has changed lots of things about family life. At the NSPCC we know some parents and carers have been worried about the resulting stress and anxiety caused by coronavirus and financial pressures, for example. It’s important to remember that everyone copes with change and stress in different ways.

It’s certainly a message my colleagues and I through the NSPCC’s Pregnancy in Mind service have been sharing with both dads and mums. This preventative mental health programme supports parents who may be feeling at risk of, or experiencing, mild to moderate anxiety and depression during pregnancy. From the feedback from many parents-to-be, the service has been especially welcome in these difficult days. Many feel reassured, confident and, crucially, more hopeful. Dads and partners tell us they feel listened to.

Being a parent can be challenging. Taking care of your mental health is important, especially when you consider that changes to our own mental health can affect children and their wellbeing. They may pick up on your anxiety. This doesn’t mean you should hide or minimise your feelings. But try to explain by using phrases like, ‘If grown-ups get big feelings it’s not your fault - we can ask other grown-ups for help’.

It’s true for the pandemic and any big change that giving children reassurance and support is important. Don’t be afraid to try new things together or feel worried about doing something for yourself to take care of your own wellbeing. Reach out if you need help. It’s a sign of strength not weakness.

At the NSPCC we’re campaigning for better support from the Government to help new dads and mums. Prior to the pandemic up to 1 in 10 dads experienced peri-natal mental health problems and this is likely to have increased because of the disruption to daily life. Social distancing measures mean many fathers and partners have been excluded from appointments and scans. During pregnancy and after birth is a crucial time for building bonds with baby but it can also be a difficult time and some new fathers experience depression and anxiety. Without the right support mental health problems can have serious consequences for children and families. On International Father’s Mental Health Awareness Day, I’m asking you to join the NSPCC in fighting for a fair start for every baby. Please sign our Fight for a Fair Start campaign petition.