Screening father's for Postnatal Anxiety and Depression
Screening father's for Postnatal Anxiety and Depression
Why this petition matters
Calls for new fathers as well as mothers to be screened for depression after the birth of a child
The mental health of new fathers is being overlooked despite evidence suggesting men might experience similar rates of depression to mothers after the birth of a child, experts have warned.
It is thought at least 10% of new mothers experience postnatal depression, although charities have said figures could be higher as surveys have shown many women do not seek help or are not asked about their mental health after having a baby.
But recent studies have suggested that new fathers might experience depression at similar rates, and that such depression might affect various developmental outcomes for children as is thought to be the case for new mothers with postnatal depression.
New fathers, however, are generally not screened for mental health problems, and a survey of about 450 new fathers in Sweden last year suggested the scale used to assess mothers for postpartum depression was not necessarily as accurate for men.
The biggest killer in men under 45 is suicide in the UK...How many are dad's? #Howareyoudad Campaign.