Getting down to it

Postnatal depression in new mothers is well known, but it can also be an issue for new fathers, particularly those under 30

- Nicky Pellegrino

According to Plunket, postnatal depression strikes as many as one in four new mums. It can occur at any time in the first year following birth and, although it is more common in those who have suffered episodes of depression in the past, women who have never been mentally unwell before may also experience it.

What is far less well known is that postnatal depression can also be an issue for fathers.

Often in men the problem isn't recognised and symptoms of postnatal depression may differ. For women, these include crying a lot, feeling overly anxious about the baby, having thoughts of causing harm, insomnia, aches and pains, and a sense of not being able to cope. Men, however, tend to get frustrated, agitated, irritable and detached. And they may use drugs or alcohol to try to cope.

Recent research drawn from the University of Otago's Christchurch Health and Development Study found that 5.4% of the first-time fathers surveyed were classified as having major depression within a year of their child's birth. All of them were under 30.