Welcoming a child into the world is wonderful for a million different reasons, but ask any parent and they will tell you that it is also difficult – and in ways you might never have imagined.
Hormones, sleepless nights and the general feeling of your world being turned upside down can affect new parents in a variety of strange and unusual ways, but a new poll shows that the stigma attached to seeking help means that many mums and dads continue to suffer in silence.
A new poll suggests that two in every five new mums and dads battle depression, anxiety and other mental health issues during pregnancy or following the birth of a child, but many do not seek help.
A Royal College of Nursing poll of 2,000 parents revealed that less than half of those who suspected they might be having mental health issues (46 per cent) reported these issues to their doctor. Many said they were afraid they would be deemed unfit to look after a child.
Previous research shows that one in ten Irish men suffer from post-natal depression. Two thirds of the fathers polled said they had not been asked about their mental health at all during their partner’s pregnancy.
Aware provides free, confidential advice over the phone and via email if you don’t feel comfortable speaking about how you’re feeling. Visit their website for support and information on the treatments available.
