Legal News

New research by parenting charity NCT has revealed that two-fifths of new fathers have concerns about their own mental health following the birth of a child.

Factors which have an impact on the mental health of new fathers include extra responsibilities, changes in relationships and lifestyle, and worries over sleep deprivation, The Guardian reports.

Awareness of perinatal depression among fathers remains low, the researchers found.

Postnatal depression is more frequently associated with new mothers – and new fathers may be overlooked during the first months of a baby’s life, with almost no specific support existing for men suffering from postnatal depression.

NCT psychologist Dr Abigail Easter said:

“Sadly, stigma around mental health still exists and many men may find it difficult to confide in others about how they are feeling.

“It may be particularly difficult for dads to open up following the birth of their baby, when there are additional expectations of new fathers.”

Dr Easter said that mothers were given more opportunities to seek help and there were more services available to them – and even when some fathers were willing to talk about depression, they may not know where to get help.

The charity is advising that new mothers should “keep an eye out” for signs that their partner is suffering anxiety or stress after the birth of a child.

Duncan Lewis Mental Health Solicitors

Duncan Lewis is a leading firm of mental health solicitors – and the UK’s largest provider of Legal Aid mental health services.

There are Duncan Lewis offices nationwide and out mental health team can advise on access to NHS services, as well as regularly visiting hospitals and police stations to advise on mental health law and detention under the Mental Health Act.

For expert legal advice on mental health care call the Duncan Lewis Mental Health Solicitors Helpline on 0203 114 1124.