Dave thought fatherhood would be wonderful. Instead, it made him depressed

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The brand-new dad developed what he now understands were symptoms of perinatal anxiety and depression, conditions usually acknowledged in new mothers but rarely considered in men.

One in 10 fathers experiences perinatal anxiety or depression, which can be brought on by a sense of failure.More than a third of fathers still think they have to be the protector and provider.Dave Edwards’ idyllic notions of fatherhood dimmed almost immediately. After a smooth pregnancy, his partner, Kath, had to have an emergency C-section after a 10-hour labour.

One in five said parenting was “a balancing act they didn’t think they were doing well” and 11 per cent said the biggest challenge about new parenthood was struggling with mental health. “So many things stop men talking about their mental health, social norms, society’s views that men are meant to be stoic and strong, and stigma that talking about mental ill health is a sign of weakness,” she said.Chris Barnes, clinical psychologist“A lot of men don’t even know they can get perinatal anxiety and depression.”

 

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I can relate to this, especially at the birth of our second child.

Not surprised, it's a huge responsibility for both parents.

The fragility of modern men.

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