Postnatal depression in men - BBC Stories

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Published 2017-11-14
Becoming a dad has been much harder for John, Brad and Tony than they ever expected. We hear about their experiences on becoming fathers and the challenges they faced.
Produced and Edited by Susannah Reid
Filmed by Tony Day

All Comments (12)
  • @Stunaldo
    I’m getting this in a massive way just now. Baby is 6 weeks old, the first month I was off work on parental leave and never expected to be so on the outside. Our girl needs so much time with her mum it meant I literally had maybe 5 minutes a day of my child in my arms, with my wife having really strong bond to the baby it felt like she’s waiting to get her off me as soon as possible. It's a horrible feeling to watch your child from a distance or in someone else’s arms, even if that person is your wife. Genuinely feels like it wouldn’t even matter if I was around or not, I doubt my child even recognises I’m her dad with such little time holding her. Since I’ve returned to work 2 weeks ago it’s even worse and even less time holding her. I’m well aware this time is just “grin and bear it” time and it will pass. I just wish there was some more advice and support given to dads in this early stage. Never expected this feeling at all.
  • @roseward8476
    I know in suffering but the help isn't there. I also feel my partner is too but whenever I ask if he is okay he doesn't say and won't go to the drs. I'm so stuck on what to do now. It's getting so much :(
  • @sammygadd65
    Can this be a reason for absent fathers.. other than like CHOOSING to leave do they just feel they are better off leaving but don't admit to it?
  • @bobbibart8927
    BBC, you need to report this video or share this video on your other platform! (Instagram, Twitter, snachat, ext) This is un-known issue and not very recognized. More people need to see this video or even the title - there needs to be more information from a trusted source about this issue! Provo! This is well down video and great topic to cover!
  • @LindsayKay
    I live in Germany - my feminist social worker girlfriend tells me of a culture she sees among parents where the mamas' exclusively claim the right to postnatal depression, since papa's job is to be the clueless parent, with mama heroically compensating. I can't imagine how that that feels for some of these fathers.
  • @neoepicurean3772
    I felt great until the day after we got baby home. Then she became very fussy and we realised she wasn't actually swallowing from the breast. Now with all the screaming and milk pumping it just feels very joyless and mechanical. If she's awake she's asking for food or screaming. I don't think I'm depressed, I'm like the opposite of a depressive person, I just think that this really sucks and I can't do anything to fix it, which in most cases, I'd usually think of some solution or just get away. Do people get depressed even when things are going smoothly? Or is it mainly when the baby is in the high-demand category? I can totally understand if it's the latter.
  • Hey, I would like to share something here. I'm a college student and I do have this teacher that gives us a topic to research about and this is "postnatal depression" I do kind have a little knowledge about it that mostly women as they're giving birth experienced it and also I didn't expected that also men may suffer to this kind of depression also. So I tried reasoning out that even men can experienced this too. But still simplicity is beauty, knowing that this was almost happened to women who give birth that's all he does believe. If someone here is another doctor I'm seeking consultation to prove my research basis to defend the answers that I needed for. Thank you.
  • @tangikis
    Yeah and I always get told that I don't understand how a woman feels and I have no right to feel these emotions. I am almost at breaking point really...
  • @olielapz3534
    Hello, Fellow Dads who have Post Natal Depression. I had it for about 6 years and it only tells you you are an absolute protector of your kids. It's our caveman instincts of protecting our family from the saber tooth tiger, it's part of our genes! Simple hang in there and it will pass! If you thought of jumping in front of the train, just back off. There is no mind-controlling alien commanding you to do it. You're a great Dad of having PND.