There's depression and there's depression

A study done by Bristol and Oxford University doctors has found that "postnatal depression" affects a significant number of fathers, and that this condition can have long-term effects on their children's development.

Yes, many men do suffer some depression following the birth of a child. They often feel they have been shut out of their wives' affection and that they are no longer important because their wives are preoccupied with the newborns. This is a problem that is difficult to come to terms with, even for fathers who are very active in baby care. Also, the stress of having a new baby can cause a certain amount of depression.

According to the study, paternal depression significantly affects the development and behavior of children and adolescents.

Here is a quotation from researcher Lorraine Sherr that baffled me:

Antenatal care tends to be very woman-focused, but if fathers play a role in parenthood then they should be properly prepared too.

There is also very little recourse to services for fathers who are feeling depressed.

It is true that pre-natal care tends to be woman-focused, and I agree that there should be much more of it for fathers. However, post-partum depression, per se, is a hormonal disorder, and no amount of pre-natal care can prevent it. It is a case of estrogen run amuck, and its consequences can be very serious.

As for there being little recourse for services for fathers who are depressed, I have no idea what she is talking about, unless she means that no one can get psychotherapy in the U.K. In the U.S., any depressed father can walk into a mental health clinic or practice and get all of the help that he wants. I have seen many anxious and depressed new fathers in my own practice.