Dear Editor,
It’s a sad truth that the mental health of new fathers is too often overlooked. The first year of a baby’s life is such a critical time, but without the right support, mental health issues can make it difficult for fathers to care for and connect with their baby. This can potentially affect a child’s overall development as well as have a lasting impact on fathers themselves.
As families celebrate Father’s Day across Wales, I want to highlight how before lockdown up to 1 in 10 dads experienced mental health issues in the period during pregnancy and a year after the birth of their child. As well as experiencing difficulties with their own mental health and managing the pressures that come with being a new parent, some new fathers need to support the mum with any mental health problems they might face. Since the COVID-19 crisis and social isolation measures, families have been left without their usual support networks and fathers may struggle to access the support they need, intensifying feelings of stress and anxiety.
As we mark International Father’s Mental Health Day on 22nd June, our Fight for a Fair Start campaign in Wales is calling for new and expectant fathers to be offered perinatal mental health assessments and support, so that all babies and all families can get a fair start in life.
Dr Sarah Witcombe-Hayes
Senior Policy Researcher
NSPCC Cymru
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