A new pilot study conducted by experts from the University of Illinois Chicago has revealed that along with new mothers, fathers can be diagnosed with postpartum depression, hence they should be tested for the condition. Experts say that considering the tangled impacts on mothers’ and fathers’ physical and mental health after parenthood, it is important to address the physical and mental health of fathers, which is often neglected. Experts have interviewed and tested around 24 men who have recently attained fatherhood. Nearly 30 per cent of them have been diagnosed with postpartum depression on the same test, which is usually used to screen new mothers.
The findings of the study hint at the importance of focusing on the well-being of new fathers. The lead author of the study Dr. Sam Wainwright has said that it is hard for many new fathers to find a balance between their work and parental and partner responsibilities and they steadily become depressed due to mounting stress.
Mental health of new fathers can affect their partners’ health
Experts say that the mental health of new fathers can affect their partners’ health and well-being as well. The findings show that new mothers who are at risk of developing postpartum depression are more likely to get diagnosed with it if they have a stressed partner.
Many other studies have assessed that about 8 per cent to 13 per cent of new dads develop postpartum depression. However, the majority of participants in these studies belonged to racial to ethnic communities that are often neglected by social system and authorities.
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The outcomes of the new study have been released in the journal BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth and have been conducted at UI Health’s Two-Generation Clinic. Wainwright has said that reaching out to new dads is an important step towards helping men stay mentally and physically fit to embrace fatherhood and improving the overall health and well-being of their relationships and families.