Exploring the incidence of postnatal depression amongst fathers

While there appears to be both information and resources for mothers experiencing postnatal depression (PND), it is estimated that as many as 1 in 10 fathers also experience depression in the first year after the birth of their baby. Stigmas around mental health and the stereotypes surrounding pregnancy-related issues (especially in heterosexual couples) have led experts to believe that the number men suffering with depression one year after birth may well exceed 10%. Fathers may in fact also experience OCD, anxiety, or PTSD in the first year of their child’s life. Daniel Singley, a counselling psychologist, says men in general are less likely than women to receive psychological support, or medical attention than women, leading to missed opportunities for a diagnosis. “[Men] really, really don’t want to seek mental-health help … and they really, really don’t want to do it during the perinatal period” Singley explains. Fathers Reaching Out, a lobbying organisation in the UK, was created for the sole purpose of helping to spread awareness of PND amongst men. Since its inception in 2004, the group has successfully advocated for mental health checks for partners. However, its founder, Mark Williams, says there is still plenty of work to be done. “It’s a lot better, but it’s still so unrecognised.” More information on the subject can be found here.