Father Baby Blues

After the birth of a child, one in 10 women suffer from post-natal depression, and one in 14 fathers also suffer from post natal depression. Only recently has it been recognised that fathers experience this.
Some of the symptoms are similar to other types of clinical depression, such as: tiredness, irritability, anxiety, and little or too much sleep. Also contributing to these feelings are:

• Financial worries
• Afraid of fatherhood
• Added responsibilities
• Decrease in sexual desire
• Rejection and jealousy – mother may spend more time with baby

In a lot of cases, fathers do not talk about their concerns or feelings, but just “do what a man’s got to do”. It is important to talk about these concerns as internalising them will add to stress and can lead to clinical depression. Fathers need to be encouraged to talk and share more with partners, and also talk to the family doctor or professional services.

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