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This article highlights the mental health challenges that some fathers face during pregnancy and early parenthood, focusing on Aled Edwards’s story as a case study.
### Key points from the article:
– **Aled’s experience:**
After struggling with stress and anxiety while trying for a baby, Aled was initially excited about becoming a dad but started suffering from vivid, distressing nightmares from the moment his wife Sophie got pregnant. These nightmares often involved violent scenarios where he was protecting his family.
– **Mental health struggles:**
Despite the joy of fatherhood, Aled experienced depression that affected all areas of his life, especially with the arrival of his daughter Bea. He felt a lack of motivation, joy, and emotional bonding, and attempted to mask his struggles with a “perfect Instagram family” façade.
– **Suicidal thoughts:**
In October 2021, when Bea was just six weeks old, Aled had a suicide attempt but was stopped by the memory of his son’s affection. He sought help through the NHS and emergency services but felt the mental health support system was inadequate, citing its overstretched condition.
– **Post-natal depression (PND) in fathers:**
After many years and trials with various medications, Aled suspected he had PND, which initially was dismissed by some healthcare professionals because he was a man. Eventually, his GP agreed with the diagnosis. The NHS recognizes that PND can affect fathers too, although it is often considered a condition only for women.
– **Community support and awareness:**
Frustrated by the lack of support groups, Aled reached out through social media, sparking a large response from other dads experiencing similar challenges. This led to the formation of a support community centered on mutual understanding and help.
– **Research data:**
A Swansea University study revealed that 8-13% of fathers experience depression during pregnancy and the early years of parenting. The study also found that suicides among fathers in Wales were significantly higher than those among mothers in the “1,001 critical days” period (from conception to the child’s second birthday).
– **Call for better resources:**
Experts argue for tailored support services for fathers, including self-care resources and specialist perinatal mental health services, to address this hidden crisis.
### Summary:
Aled Edwards’s story sheds light on the often overlooked issue of paternal post-natal depression and mental health struggles related to new fatherhood. His journey reveals a gap in support and understanding, emphasizing the need for tailored mental health services and community support to help fathers cope during early parenthood. Recognizing and addressing paternal mental health is crucial to preventing tragedies and supporting family well-being
Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More
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