Counsellors say more dads are seeking help for postnatal depression

Postnatal depression is usually associated with mothers, but the condition can also afflict fathers.

- Christine Tan

Counsellors said that more fathers in Singapore are seeking help for their own mental health after their child's birth.

Clarity Singapore, a Catholic mental health charity, began offering professional therapy services for paternal mental health in 2024.

Ms Cindy Khong, a senior counsellor at Clarity Singapore, said that fathers can experience changes in hormonal levels that mirror those of mothers.

Ms Khong added that fathers can also be affected if their wives suffer from depression, due to less positive spousal support that is linked to lower relationship satisfaction.

Dr Silvia Wetherell, a psychotherapist at Alliance Counselling, noted that partners of women with postpartum depression are more susceptible to the condition.

"Sometimes they don't know where to turn; they don't know how to help their wives. It can get really, really scary, and they feel so powerless," she said.