International Father’s Mental Health Day (IFMHD)

Suffering from parental depression?

Postnatal depression among mums is still a challenging topic, but the impact of parenting on dads is a subject that is rarely discussed. Parental depression can hit both sexes and is a serious issue due to the changing environment. Recognising how this can affect fathers is equally important.

First launched in 2016, IFMHD aims to give voice to issues men face as they become fathers.

Reports state that up to 10% of new dads experience paternal postpartum depression and this increases to 50% if the mum is depressed. Where the birth is traumatic it can have a particularly devastating effect on dads and is even believed to lead to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in some.

As dads are expected to support mums in this period, it can be doubly difficult for them, trying to be strong for everybody and faced with the stigma of admitting that they are struggling.

Engaging fathers on this issue can be tough as a result of this stigma, and there are currently no services available to specifically support dads dealing with postnatal depression.

As a society, we need to identify the best ways to engage fathers and to encourage them to seek help. The start point might be to encourage them to focus on practical day-to-day tasks that can help to support the whole family, including:

Focussing on buying and preparing nutritious foods and eating healthily
Working out a timetable for both mum and dad to have some time alone as individuals and as a couple
Scheduling time for exercise and/or outdoor activity – walking with the baby may be a start-point
Identifying some key supplements that can help to support overall health and specifically brain health and mood

Would you like to know more about parental depression?

Check out these relevant links below:

• International Father’s Mental Health Day June 2020 – Fathers Network

• International Father’s Mental Health Day – IHV Organisation

Want to know more?

Pro-Ven Probiotics aim to provide the best support for both you and your health. If you wish to know more about gut health and depression, please do not hesitate to call us on 01639 825107 or alternatively, learn more via our blogs or in-depth proven research.

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