Fathers in Northern Ireland open up about seeking mental health help after the births of their babies.
New fathers, who struggled with mental health issues after the births of their babies, are encouraging other men with symptoms to seek help.He now attends Dad's Voice in Ballymena, County Antrim, a group that provides a safe space for fathers, who need support through parenting.Nial, from Draperstown in County Londonderry, told BBC News NI his wife Danielle suffered a traumatic birth which led to her developing postnatal depression.
"It didn't come out in me until a wee bit afterwards, I think because I had all the responsibilities," he said. Signs include a persistent feeling of sadness and low mood. Some people experience difficulty looking after themselves or their babies. "It's very much an under-recognised condition. A lot of people tend to focus on the mother and not the father - but the father has an equal ability to become depressed."He said after the birth of a child, the focus was rightfully on the mother's wellbeing, but his message is for partners to speak up if they are struggling."When my first child was born I probably did have depression but I wasn't quite aware of it," he told BBC News NI.
"In terms of symptoms, I felt nothing. The stuff I usually would have enjoyed, I just did not care about. I just kind of disconnected in general."Dr O'Hagan said that while mental health services were stretched in Northern Ireland, GPs could provide support.
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