👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Dads (and Partners) Need Mental Health Support Too!

Spoiler alert: Postnatal depression doesn’t just affect mums — it hits dads, co-parents, and partners too. And guess what? Their mental health matters just as much.

This eye-opening research highlights that 5–10% of fathers experience perinatal depression and up to 15% struggle with anxiety during pregnancy or after birth. When one parent is struggling, it often affects the other — sometimes even more so. But here’s the real kicker: most services still focus almost entirely on mothers. So while we're doing better at supporting mums, we’re leaving partners behind — and that’s not okay.

🧠 Why It Matters

When a partner struggles mentally, it can:

- Increase stress and conflict in relationships

- Affect bonding with the baby

- Impact child development long-term

And yet, many new parents don’t get assessed, supported, or even asked how they’re feeling. That’s like checking the car’s tyres but ignoring the engine — sure, you might roll forward, but something important isn’t running right.

📊 The Tools We Use – Do They Work?

Most studies looked at the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS)— a tool usually used for mums. Turns out, it can work for dads too, but there’s no “one-size-fits-all” score. Some say 10+, others say 6+ — and men often show different signs: irritability, withdrawal, or even risky behavior instead of crying or sadness.

💡 So What Needs to Change?

We need:

- Better tools designed specifically for men and non-birthing parents

- Training for healthcare pros to talk to and support all parents

- More inclusive language and services that make everyone feel seen

💔 But Here’s the Real Heartbreak

Many partners worry that talking about their feelings will take attention away from mums — when really, helping both parents means helping the whole family thrive.

💬 Let’s Talk About It

Fathers and professionals agree: mental health check-ins are possible, but only if done sensitively. That means:

- Asking the right questions

- Giving time and space to answer honestly

- Offering real help afterward

And yes, some dads said they’d actually welcome being asked — because it made them feel seen, heard, and supported as a real part of the parenting journey.

Bottom Line: Everyone Deserves Emotional Support

Whether you’re a dad, step-parent, co-mother, or any kind of partner — your mental health matters. Supporting all parents early means stronger families, happier babies, and healthier homes.

So let’s keep pushing for change — because postnatal care should be for everybody.