How to look after your mental health as a new dad

REMEMBER TO PRIORITISE YOUR OWN WELLBEING. BY CAMILLA FOSTER

- 

BECOMING a father for the first time can be incredibly exciting, but also overwhelming - and adjusting to this new chapter in life can sometimes take a toll on your wellbeing.

New research from Swansea University has raised concerns about suicide rates among new fathers, suggesting that they could potentially be at a higher risk than new mothers.

The study - which was funded by The 1001 Critical Days Foundation - examined suicide rates among mothers and fathers in Wales between 2002 and 2021 during the first 1,001 days of their babies’ lives and found that during this period 16 mothers and 107 fathers died by suicide.

The authors of the study have called for fathers to be included in specialist perinatal mental health services.

Here, experts share some insights on signs which may indicate that new dads might be struggling mentally and emotionally.

WHAT ARE SOME SIGNS THAT A NEW DAD MIGHT BE STRUGGLING?

“Mood changes that last longer than a couple of weeks, such as irritability, withdrawal, or sudden anger, can be red flags,” highlights Waqar Azam, integrative psychotherapist at Living Well UK. “Struggling to sleep even when the baby is resting, feeling persistently hopeless or overwhelmed, or losing interest in things that used to bring joy are also warning signs.

“Partners or family might notice changes first, such as increased drinking, working excessively, or avoiding home life.”

WHY DO MANY DADS STRUGGLE TO OPEN UP?