Dr Nigel Sherriff, a Senior Research Fellow in the Centre for Health Research and a Chartered Psychologist, has recently commented on a new study on male postnatal depression for the British Psychological Society.
The study was carried out by Fiona Trotter, Field Leader for Mental Health at the University of Huddersfield, and presented at a conference for Perinatal Mental Health Day. It examined whether it is only women who can suffer from postnatal depression, or whether it can also be experienced by men.
The findings indicated that postnatal depression can affect both sexes, and that it can have long-term impact on children. It also noted that postnatal care from clinics and midwives generally focuses on the mother, which can leave men feeling left out of the process.
Dr Sherriff comments:
"Whilst this study is interesting, the findings need to be viewed cautiously and be contextualised within the broader debates about the need to engage with men and fathers more meaningfully in health and social services.
"Addressing the role and needs of the father as an integral part of maternity services is important both for the wellbeing of the child, the father, and in terms of supporting the mother and the wider family unit. Indeed, studies such as this are helpful in raising such issues but it's important to recognise that men's mental health needs during the perinatal period are not limited to depression, and wider recognition of the heterogeneity of their support needs, and how to address them, is required."
