Women’s post –natal depression is well known but few people know that fathers also undergo the same phase after the birth of child.

Recently, a man has been reported of murdering his daughter (six months old). The reason was post-natal depression. This case has put forward the issue of post-natal depression in men.

Usually, 15 percent of new mothers face depression but according to Fatherhood Institute, 10 percent fathers also get tensed and depressed after the birth of their baby.

Three to six months after the birth of baby, the depression usually remains at peak.

Like women, they are face difficulties in dealing with changes of life which occur after baby is born.

“Hormones, lack of sleep, increased responsibility and general life stresses can apply to men just as much to women,” said Adrienne Burgess, Fatherhood Institute research head.

Those women and men who already (before the birth if child) suffer from one or other mental health issues are more likely to develop depression later.

Fathers feel the stress of changed relationship. They often feel neglected and left out while their partners get busy with ‘new guest’.

According to Liz Wise, counselor with Association for Post-natal illness, women feel they can take care of baby in the best manner. Knowingly or unknowingly, they may be quick to demoralize their partners. It heavily undermines men’s confidence level.

In society also, while motherhood is considered as a ‘sea-change’, fatherhood does not get this much of recognition. Fathers are not even invited in ante-natal meetings.

In fact both fathers and mothers feel stressed, tired, guilty and inadequate- but their reactions to these feelings are entirely different. It is sad that in depression, women get sad while men go mad.

According to experts, self medication and too much drinking can be the symptoms of depression in fathers.
“Men are probably better at bullying the world around them when they are not happy, whereas women tend to internalise more,” says Phillip Hodson, fellow of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy.

According to research, depression of fathers also impacts children also. They become more prone to behavioral and emotional problems.

Proper counseling, massage, reflexology can help in treating depression to some extent. Others measures which can help include resting, sharing feelings and eating properly.

Men should also be properly taken care of like women, says Ms Wise. She adds that depression of fathers is not uncommon and shameful. Family should provide due care to them in that phase.

“Don’t bottle it up. Speak to your partner and your family and friends. Find out if there are dads’ groups locally that you could meet with.”