International Fathers Mental Health Day – 20th of June 2022

This year’s focus on international Fathers Mental Health Day is postpartum support.

Did you know postpartum depression can affect dads too?

Society sees the father as the provider of support during the perinatal period and early parenthood as the mother has carried the baby, given birth and is traditionally the primary caregiver. However, a wealth of research shows that 10% of new dads are suffering in silence from postpartum depression; this number increases if the mother is depressed. The stigma for guys is much higher due to the view that they should be strong and provide for their growing families. Hence, they stay quiet if that is not how they feel. Without help, this can develop into anxiety disorders etc

Common symptoms of perinatal depression & anxiety

• Feeling overwhelmed, exhausted and insecure

• Crying spells, sadness, hopelessness

• Anger, irritability, frustration

• Repetitive fears and worries

• Sleep disorder

• Sex aversion

• Feeling of emptiness, shame and guilt

• Self-neglect

• Loss of appetite

• Lack of empathy towards the child

Top tips for new DADs

• Ask for help

• Join an online group – Facebook – search for new dads

• Contact a local PSI volunteer

• Create a support group around your family and accept help when offered or ASK.

• Take time for yourself           

• Spend quality time with your baby to build confidence

• Speak to other families in your situation and share the challenges you have

Supporting your partner and sharing the experience

• Make sure they take time for themselves

• Help with the housework

• Don’t expect the house to be in order because they have been home while you are at work

• Talk to each other about how you are feeling

• Get a babysitter and have a date night

• Don’t forget you were a couple before you were parents, and you must still show each other affection even if sex is off the table.

• Help each other to get support

• Reassure each other that it’s not your fault and will get better and more manageable

For more information and support - Help for Dads | Postpartum Support International (PSI)