But Father’s Day isn’t a happy time for everyone. For some fathers, and children too, the day can be lonely and stressful, potentially triggering symptoms of depression and anxiety.

At this time, family separation as a result of distance, divorce or bereavement may bring back painful memories or evoke strong emotions.

If you think Father’s Day may be a difficult day for you, it’s important to consider how you can best look after yourself.

It’s a good idea to plan to spend the day around people who can support you, as being alone when everyone else seems to be with their families may lead people to focus on their losses. Social isolation is also a risk factor for depression and anxiety.

However, if you feel down, anxious or fragile, it’s not a good idea to take drugs or drink alcohol to try and make yourself feel better. If you’re doing it tough, you can end up in a far worse place by self-medicating.

People who feel they need help coping around Father’s Day can talk to the mental health professionals at the beyondblue support service 24/7 by phone on 1300 22 4636, or via online chat (3pm- midnight AEST) or email at www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support.

Men who are worried they’re not coping can check out Davo’s Man Therapy (mantherapy.org.au/davo) for some reliable, blokey advice. The site is the home of “Davo”, a larrikin tradie who doesn’t beat around the bush when it comes to mental health.

This year will also be the first Father’s Day for thousands of new dads. If you’re in this category, and feel overwhelmed by the changes, have a chat to your GP or call our support service.

I’d encourage all new or expectant fathers to check out beyondblue’s dad’s handbook: A guide to the first 12 months, which provides advice on how to look after themselves at this busy time. This handbook, and other beyondblue resources for fathers and partners, are available free at www.beyondblue.org.au/resources/for-me/pregnancy-and-early-parenthood/helping-yourself-and-others/what-about-dads-partners.

Georgie Harman, beyondblue CEO 

I WRITE regarding the editorial on Monday, August 31. It was disappointing to read your paper making comparisons between Ballarat and Bendigo, only to deliberately use last weekend's protest rally to highlight what you perceive to be a glaring difference - inclusiveness. Our two cities have often enjoyed a friendly rivalry but this was a cheap shot that only inflames a situation that is not unique to any one area.

The editorial made the point that most of the people who attended the rally were from outside Bendigo. It was a shame that such a rally took place in Bendigo but it's a poor reflection on those who attended, not the city.

I stand by my comments that Bendigo is a "welcoming, giving and thoughtful city". We have a strong interfaith community and while the protestors met on Saturday there was a Halal barbeque taking place a few hundred metres away and a multicultural soccer tournament at one of our premier sporting facilities. 

This vocal minority do not represent the majority of people who are not fussed, one way or another, about the development of a mosque in Bendigo.

It would have been better to see the editorial make a positive statement about the two cities and the importance of multiculturalism, tolerance and being inclusive. Small communities, regional centres and major cities must all band together against these vile displays of so-called patriotism.

Cr Peter Cox, Mayor - Greater Bendigo City Council