Exploring fathers’ experiences of seeking support for postnatal depression.

Why you should read this article: • To understand the importance of recognising postnatal depression in fathers • To identify fathers’ barriers to, and motivators for, seeking support for postnatal depression • To consider how healthcare services could better support fathers experiencing postnatal depression. Background: Many men tend to avoid seeking support for mental health issues and little is known about help-seeking among fathers who experience postnatal depression. Aim: To explore fathers’ help-seeking for postnatal depression, including barriers and motivators, and their experiences of informal support from partners and formal support from healthcare professionals. Method: Data were obtained through individual semi-structured interviews with eight fathers who self-identified as having experienced postnatal depression. Data were analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. Findings: Five themes emerged from the data analysis: not recognising postnatal depression; fatherhood expectations restricting postnatal depression disclosure; disappointment at the medicalised response to help-seeking; health visitors as a feared profession which excludes fathers; needing communication, validation and a safe space to talk. Conclusion: Some fathers need professional support for their mental health after the birth of their child. Nurses and health visitors should routinely ask fathers about their mental well-being, validate their feelings and encourage them to discuss their mental health issues with a healthcare professional. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]