When we think of the arrival of a new baby, we often picture joy, wonder and excitement. And whilst those feelings are very real, they’re only part of the story. Behind the smiles and photos, many parents quietly face significant emotional and mental health challenges. Both maternal and paternal mental health play crucial roles not just in the wellbeing of parents, but in the development and happiness of their children.
Maternal and paternal mental health deserve our attention, empathy, and action. Every parent deserves to feel supported and every child deserves to grow up in a healthy, nurturing environment. By recognising and addressing the emotional needs of both mothers and fathers, we can help to create stronger and happier families. Which, in turn, results in a stronger and healthier society.
Maternal Mental Health: The Hidden Struggles
Maternal mental health has long been overshadowed by a cultural expectation that mothers must “naturally” be happy and fulfilled, after childbirth. As many as one in five women develop a mental illness during pregnancy or in the first year after birth. Suicide is a leading cause of maternal deaths in the UK within a year after childbirth.
Common symptoms can include:
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Persistent sadness, hopelessness, or guilt
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Difficulty bonding with the baby
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Irritability or anger
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Excessive worry or panic attacks
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Feeling overwhelmed or detached from reality
It’s vital to understand that postpartum mental health challenges are not a reflection of a mother’s love or capability. They are medical conditions, influenced by biological, emotional, and environmental factors. Which are all manageable with support.
Paternal Mental Health: An Overlooked Reality
Maternal mental health is thankfully, gaining recognition. Paternal mental health, however is not. Despite research showing that 1 in 10 fathers experience postpartum depression, and many more struggle with anxiety and stress related to the massive life changes parenthood brings.
Fathers may face:
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Pressure to be the “rock” of the family
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Financial worries
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Feelings of isolation or inadequacy
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Changes in relationship dynamics
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A lack of support systems or reluctance to seek help
Often, men are culturally taught to suppress their emotional struggles, leading many to suffer in silence. Untreated paternal mental health issues can affect not just fathers, but also their partners and children. Thus resulting in strained relationships and developmental challenges for the child.
What is the impact?
The emotional health of parents directly influences the family environment. When a mother or father is struggling, it can impact:
Parent-child bonding: Affecting the baby’s sense of security and emotional development
Marital satisfaction: Increasing tension between partners
Child outcomes: Raising the risk of emotional and behavioral issues later in life
When parents receive support and treatment, families thrive. Early intervention can lead to stronger parent-child relationships, healthier marriages, and better long-term outcomes for children.
How can we support parents?
Reduce the stigma and talk: Mental health challenges after having a baby are common and treatable. Talking about it reduces stigma.
Screen early and often: Health professionals should routinely screen both mothers and fathers for mental health issues during and after pregnancy.
Offer practical support: Help with childcare, chores, or simply offering a listening ear can make a huge difference. Allowing them to have some time to themselves.
Encourage professional help: Therapy, medication, and support groups can be life-changing.
Build a community: Motherhood and parenting can often feel lonely. Connecting with other parents who understand the journey can provide immense emotional relief.
Useful websites
For baby’s sake – maternal health matters
Maternal mental health alliance
MIND – postnatal depression and perinatal health
