Identifying and supporting men who experience paternal postnatal depression

Davenport, Caroline Jane; Swami, Viren

Abstract

Paternal postnatal depression (PND) is a condition that negatively affects fathers to a largely similar extent as mothers. Despite this, it is not commonly understood in society, which translates into a lack of support for fathers in healthcare settings. Fathers’ PND experiences are different from those of mothers with PND, including anger, denial, and increased suicide risk. The impact of paternal PND is not only limited to fathers, with the condition being linked to depression in mothers, and issues around the psychological wellbeing of children. Nurses may face barriers in their knowledge of paternal PND due to a lack of historic research, but can use their own professional skills, incorporating NMC values, alongside the lived experiences of fathers, to provide support and care to depressed fathers. Using a family-centred approach is of benefit when supporting fathers with PND, and can reduce stigma and support fathers disclosing depression and help-seeking.

Citation

Davenport, C. J., & Swami, V. (2023). Identifying and supporting men who experience paternal postnatal depression. Mental health practice, 26(3), 34-41. https://doi.org/10.7748/mhp.2023.e1641

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Nov 9, 2022
• Online Publication Date: Mar 15, 2023
• Publication Date: May 4, 2023
• Deposit Date: Mar 12, 2024
• Publicly Available Date: Mar 13, 2024
• Journal: Mental Health Practice
• Print ISSN: 1465-8720
• Electronic ISSN: 2047-895X
• Publisher: RCN Publishing (RCNi)
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 26
• Issue: 3
• Pages: 34-41
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.7748/mhp.2023.e1641
• Keywords: Childbirth; child health; Depression; Families; Fathers; Health visitors; Mental health; Mothers; Neonatal; Parents; Patients; Postnatal depression; Professional
• Public URL: https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/4587899