The arrival of a new baby is meant to be a time of great joy and
excitement, but for some men the transition into parenthood can be
a difficult time.
Statistics suggest that up to 10 per cent of new fathers suffer
from Paternal Postnatal Depression (PPND).
As a condition, PPND is difficult to
define and it is not restricted to the postnatal period. In fact, a
study published in the Australian and New Zealand Journal of
Psychiatry found that pregnancy is the most stressful time for
men who are making the transition into parenthood. It is at this
time when relationships are beginning to change and their partner,
as the expectant mother, is receiving increased attention.
Karina Bria - a PhD student at The University of Adelaide and a
midwife with more than 20 years of clinical experience - has
observed how difficult it can be for new fathers. "There is a
general expectation that the father's role is to continue to…bring
in the money, provide emotional support to his partner, help with
household duties and caring for the baby and to take over at the
end of the day when he gets home from work. That's a tall order to
fill."
One of the most significant risk factors for PPND is postnatal depression in the mother.
Research published in the British Journal of Psychiatry
reports that in 50 per cent of couples where the mother is
depressed, the father is depressed too.
New fathers with PPND may present with
a number of symptoms including difficulty sleeping, irritability,
poor concentration and even substance abuse. "According to current
research some men are at risk of becoming involved in…destructive
behaviour, or [they] stay away from the situation - indulge
themselves in work or sport to get away from it," says Bria.
Depression in either parent can take its toll on the family.
According to the Fathers Direct website (www.fathersdirect.com)
more relationships breakdown in the early years of fatherhood than
at any other time, perhaps as a result of the stress associated
with parenting.
But it is not just the parents who suffer. Research suggests
that children whose parents are depressed are at an increased risk
of social, psychological and cognitive problems. Furthermore, a
father's depression alone has been found to double the risk of
emotional and behavioural problems in children at three and a half
years of age.
So what can we do to support new dads?
Karina Bria advises seeking information from websites or
parenting books. "Go to your local bookshop and have a look in the
parenting section at what's available, choosing what [you] think is
most relevant."
In the postnatal period Bria stresses the importance of taking
time out to maintain an individual identity outside of the role of
father and partner. "We are guilty of saying 'I feel selfish
because I'm putting myself first.' And it's a big trap. There is
nothing wrong with caring about yourself too!" she says.
A PPND success story
Craig (not his real name) first noticed that something wasn't
right when his wife was five months' pregnant. He didn't want to
burden his wife in any way by talking to her about what he was
experiencing and with no one else to talk to he kept these feelings
to himself.
Consequently memories of his father's own parenting and issues
that he had had as a child resurfaced; he was scared of becoming
like his own dad. Craig began to have recurrent panic attacks. It
was then that he decided to seek help by calling Mensline
Australia.
Dr Richard Fletcher, a psychologist with Mensline Australia,
spoke with Craig about his concepts of fatherhood, his
communication strategies and mechanisms for redressing his
work-life balance. They talked about anticipating life with a baby
and planning inclusive family 'rituals' and activities.
When Dr Fletcher called Craig after the birth of his child Craig
was managing well. "The follow-up call was very rewarding," says Dr
Fletcher. "His communication with his wife was good, he was really
enjoying fatherhood, panic-attacks weren't happening and he was
clear about work-life balance."
Mensline Australia works with men to build up their strengths,
the things they are good at doing with their children and setting
goals to work towards stronger familles.
"There are massive psychological changes in men's lives when
they start to have a family," Dr Fletcher explains. "It's alright
to paint a nursery, but you need to prepare yourself emotionally
for the changes that happen around birth."
Break-out box:
Advice for new fathers:
- Seek information about parenting and babies from websites
and/or parenting books.
- Speak to your GP or local community health centre for
information and support.
- Talk to family or friends with children about your experience
of parenting.
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle and external interests.
- If you are experiencing changing moods, seek help early.
Find out more:
- Insert countries own helplines or website resources if
necessary
Parentlines:
- Insert countries own helplines if necessary
Websites:
- Insert countries own paternal websites if necessary
This article has been provided by Penni Drysdale; a
freelance writer and mother of one child.