Did you know that statistics recognise that only 10% of dads suffer from postnatal depression but a study by the National Childbirth Trust in June 2015 found that in actual fact 1 in 3 dads (38%) are worried about their own health and 3 in 4 dads (73%) are worried about the health of their partner? It comes quite natural to us to provide support to the mother and child but often we forget about the fact that the mental state of the father can impact the entire family, as they often serve as the main form of support for the mother during the first crucial weeks of their baby’s life. With this in mind I would like to shine a light on the importance of the not just recognising but also validating the emotions that men can experience when they become parents and what we can do to support them.
The impact becoming a parent can have on men
Truthfully, I actually really struggled to find any information on paternal mental health, because it is not widely talked about, there is very little understanding about it. However, it seems that most fathers struggling with their mental health said that it began as a result of feeling alienated and excluded, especially those who’s partner had a traumatic birth. Many men claim that health care professionals failed to explain anything or offer support during and after the birth for the fathers, which left them feeling Soley responsible for this new family unit but having absolutely no tools or resources to provide the support and care that their family needed. Which can become very overwhelming and quickly spiral into depression, anxiety and PTSD. If we then pair this with a mother who is also experiencing ill mental health, this can have disastrous consequences for the child.
Other factors that can impact a fathers' mental health can include:
- Relationship breakdown
- lack of involvement in the pregnancy/birth/parenting
- Having a child born with a disability
- previous history of mental illness
- lack of support
- difficult childhood experiences
How can we better support dad’s mental health
The very fact that I have written this forum topic shows that we have come some way in understanding the impact of paternal mental health, however father's mental health still seems to be last one the list. Acknowledging and raising awareness of paternal mental health is just the tip of the iceberg, based on my own research we need to do so much more to support dads with their mental well being, these are just a few ways that we can do that:
More leaflets, classes and information directed towards father’s
Health professionals taking the time to support and explain things to fathers
Support services specifically for new dads
Crush this stigma that discourages men to seek help
More understanding surrounding paternal mental health
Ask dad how they are coping not just mum
If you or someone you know would like to access some support, or just want to know abit more I have left some information on support services that offer help, guidance and info on paternal mental health:
https://maternalmentalhealthalliance.org/putting-fathers-in-the-picture/
https://thedadpad.co.uk/ask-dadpad/mental-health-new-dads/
https://www.reachingoutpmh.co.uk/