Living with post-natal depression: an exploration of the experience of fathers whose partners suffer from post-natal depression

Ryan, Eadaoin; Sammon, Caroline

Living with post-natal depression: an exploration of the experience of fathers whose partners suffer from post-natal depression

Files

2016_EadaoinRyanCarolineSammon.pdf(706.93 KB)

Published Version

Date

2016-04-21

Authors

Ryan, Eadaoin

Sammon, Caroline

Publisher

Community-Academic Research Links, University College Cork

Abstract

The experience of maternal post-natal depression in mothers has been one of the most extensively researched areas of developmental psychopathology, however knowledge relating this event for fathers can be particularly limited (Beestin et al, 2014). The increased recognition of post-natal depression being a product of psychosocial factors equally suggests the risk factors this may pose to fathers during the period following child birth. Through the completion of a literature review and semi structured interviews with five fathers who experienced or are experiencing their partners post-natal depression, this study endeavors to explore the lived experience of fathers who endure this event. The story told by the participant’s features feelings of demoralisation by health care professionals, with their anxieties and feelings disenfranchised from the overall experience of their partners post-natal depression. The study reveals the viewpoints of fathers on the factors which impact on their ability to support their partner with their condition. By exploring this lived reality of fathers, a valuable and unique representation of their experience has been gained.

Keywords

Post-natal depression , Fathers , Support

Citation

Ryan, E. and Sammon, C. (2016) Living with post-natal depression: an exploration of the experience of fathers whose partners suffer from post-natal depression. Cork: Community-Academic Research Links, University College Cork.