Even dads can have postpartum depression: A new study on stresses of fatherhood

While most people are already aware that new mothers can have postpartum depression, it turns out that dads can have it as well.

A new study shows that approximately one third of all new fathers can become depressed when having their first child.

Here are a few reasons why it happens.

A surprising study

The study from the University of Illinois Chicago looked at how dads can also experience postpartum depression after their partner has a baby. 

About 30% of the dads they talked to felt this way. 

It's essential to ask dads how they're feeling because many of them are stressed and worried, trying to balance work and taking care of their baby and partner.

This study found that more dads felt this way, especially those from racial or ethnic groups facing challenges like racism. 

The researchers started this study because they noticed dads often get left out when it comes to taking care of their mental health.

Dr. Sam Wainwright, the lead researcher, wants to learn more about how dads feel and how it affects their health. 

He believes reaching out to dads when they become fathers is an important way to help them stay healthy. 

Why it's important

The big goal of this research is to figure out how to help dads stay healthy, which in turn helps their families. 

It's crucial to show dads that taking care of themselves is not just good for them but also for their baby and partner.
 

• Related news:
• research
• fathers
• depression
• family
• 15 October 2023

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