While the arrival of a new baby is often celebrated, it can also be a time of significant emotional and psychological stress for both mothers and fathers. The term “postnatal depression” is primarily used for mothers. Experts highlight the importance of recognising the potential impact on partners as well.
Taking a “Think Family” Approach
Dr. Judith O’Neill, chair of the Perinatal Group at the Royal College of Psychiatrists in Northern Ireland, emphasises the importance of a “think family” approach in perinatal health services.
“We do check in with dads and partners and the wellbeing of the entire family,” she said. “I think it’s very important – particularly in a postnatal period that parental mental health is as good as possible because we know that this will affect outcomes for the infant and children.”
This means acknowledging and addressing the well-being of the entire family, including fathers and partners, during this critical period.
Understanding Postnatal Depression
Postnatal depression (PND) is a type of depression that can affect both mothers and fathers after the birth of a child. It manifests through feelings of sadness, low mood, and difficulty caring for oneself or the baby. The NHS estimates that PND affects more than one in ten women within a year of giving birth, but it’s crucial to remember that fathers and partners are also susceptible.
Recognising Paternal Mental Health
Dr. Frances O’Hagan, deputy chair of the Northern Ireland General Practitioners Committee, emphasises the importance of recognising the mental health needs of fathers and partners. While the term “postnatal depression in men” is not officially used in Northern Ireland, she highlights the potential for the postnatal period to contribute to depression or depressive symptoms in fathers.
“I personally don’t feel the name is important – it’s the condition that is important,” she said. “The most important thing is that men get help. They put their hand up and say I’m suffering and I need help – and the help is there. It’s very much an under-recognised condition. A lot of people tend to focus on the mother and not the father – but the father has an equal ability to become depressed.”
Breaking the Silence
Neil Dickson, a father of two, shares his experience of battling depression after the birth of his children. He encourages fathers to speak up and seek help if they are struggling. His story underscores the importance of raising awareness and addressing the under-recognition of PND in fathers.
“When my first child was born I probably did have depression but I wasn’t quite aware of it,” he told BBC News NI.
“It was during the pregnancy of the second child that I knew something wasn’t quite right. I talked it through with the health visitors and they recommended talking to the GP. In March last year, I was diagnosed with depression by the GP – about a month after we had our second child. At the time, I just thought parenting was incredibly tough and I wasn’t doing a very good job. But it turns out through recent counselling that potentially I’ve been depressed for years. In terms of symptoms, I felt nothing. The stuff I usually would have enjoyed, I just did not care about. I just kind of disconnected in general.”
Seeking Support
Dr. O’Hagan emphasises the crucial role of general practitioners (GPs) in providing support for individuals experiencing PND. This includes men. Neil’s story further illustrates the importance of seeking help early rather than delaying, offering a crucial message of hope and recovery.
“Your GP can do a lot – as well as going to counsellors and having provision of primary mental health services – there is a lot that can be done at the GP level.”
Beyond the Mother
Darren Beggs, the lead facilitator of Dad’s Voice, a support group for fathers, highlights the unique challenges faced by men during the postnatal period. They may not experience the physical changes of childbirth, but they can experience emotional turmoil and feelings of helplessness witnessing their partners’ journey.
“It’s definitely a big life change,” he said. “Dads don’t go through the physical change, but they do go through all the emotions of their partner giving birth and feeling helpless.”
Raising Awareness
At Parenting Expert, we want to raise awareness about the potential impact of the postnatal period on the mental health of both mothers and fathers. By acknowledging the challenges faced by all family members and encouraging open communication about mental health, we can create a more supportive environment for families navigating this delicate transition.
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