Counselling for 'baby-blues' dadsPost-natal depression, or PND, is thought to affect 1 in 10 new mothers but current research now suggests that up to 1 in 25 new fathers may also be affected by the condition. Depressed dadsAlthough postnatal depression (PND) is a condition normally associated with mums, it has being increasingly observed in dads in recent years, with up to one in 25 dads thought to be expected. Symptoms can be similar to those found in women, although it has been noted that men potentially can become more hostile in attitude as they react to their depressive state. The pressures of fatherhood, increased responsibility at home, financial
worries and a change in lifestyle, as well as the obvious change in their
relationship with their partner, can all contribute to feelings of depression
in dads, which are often overlooked by healthcare professionals. This
alone can lead to problems as, according to mental health charity MIND,
research has shown that families in which fathers were depressed soon
after the birth, were more at risk of their children developing behavioural
and emotional problems. Boys were more affected than girls. What puts a dad at increase risk of PND? Having a partner who suffers from PND increases the father's risk from 3% to 7%. Other risk factors include: Having a partner who suffers from PND increases the father's risk from 3% to 7%. Other risk factors include:
According to MIND, depression can kick in during pregnancy, when their relationship with their partner already starts to change. Additionally all the attention heaped on to their partner can leave men feeling lonely and left out. Self-help tipsMany leading psychiatrists claim that men cannot suffer from postnatal depression, a condition thought to be caused primarily by female hormones and, therefore, to have a physiological basis. However, they do accept that fathers can suffer from depression after the birth of a baby and suggest the following self-help ideas.
Social support, and making contact with other people who have been through the same experience, can play an important part in your recovery from postnatal depression. Your health visitor, GP and midwife should be able to put you in touch with local support groups where you can talk frankly with other PND-sufferers, listen to their accounts of living with postnatal depression and gain comfort from the knowledge that you’re not suffering alone. It can also be helpful to exchange practical ideas for coping with PND. Another useful organisation is SANE, which deals with depression and other mental health issues. SANE operates a national database of support services and may be able to put you in contact with PND-related groups in your area. Its helpline offers information on symptoms and treatment, as well as just a listening ear. MIND (National Association for Mental Health) provides a means of building social contacts - the organisation has over 200 branches across England and Wales, most of which offer counselling services for individuals suffering from depression and other mental health problems. Some areas will also have specific support for postnatal depression. MIND’s helpline offers advice and information (including a booklet called Understanding Postnatal Depression). Where to next?
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