Men get PostNatal Depression Too…
Knowing how to spot postnatal depression in your partner, and what to do, is essential information, but more than that, it’s also important to recognise that new dads are at risk too. Yes, you read that right! Men can also suffer from postnatal depression.
Officially, it is now recognised that it can affect men, but unfortunately still very little research is being devoted to it even though it is estimated that between 3% – 10% of dads suffer from PND in the first year of their babies’ lives. Potentially far more new dads experience PND than is even estimated – simply because dads either don’t seek help or are not properly diagnosed.
It is really important that if you think either you or your partner may be suffering from postnatal depression, you seek support. If it is you who is suffering, don’t just assume that ‘it will pass’, as it is common that when Dad has PND, then so does Mum – so you need to address it for the benefit of you both.
Having depression does not make either of you a lesser parent in any way, in the same way that catching a cold wouldn’t – it is an illness, not a weakness or a reflection on how much you love your baby.
Find out more about being a dad coping with PostNatal Depression:
POST-NATAL DEPRESSION: DADS – HOW IT CAN AFFECT YOU
POST-NATAL DEPRESSION: DADS – WHAT YOU CAN DO
