New research revealed girls, whose fathers suffer from postnatal depression, are more at risk of having mental health problems. The study found the link between the patriarchs and their daughters that will affect the latter at the age of 18.
A study published in the journal "JAMA Psychiatry" showed the test's result on over 3,000 families in the Bristol area in England. It revealed that one in 20 fathers suffered from postnatal depression a couple of weeks after their child was born. The researchers also saw the connection of the men's condition to the possible risk of their daughters to have depression.
However, this "small but significant risk" only applies to daughters, per the South China Morning Post. Sons are said to be unaffected of this condition. The authors explained it remains to be unclear why girls are more affected than boys. But, it may have something to do with the "specific aspects" of father-daughter relationship as they grow up.
"Research from this study of families in Bristol has already shown that fathers can experience depression in the postnatal period as well as mothers," Faculty of Education at the University of Cambridge's Paul Ramchandani said. "What is new in this paper is that we were able to follow up the young people from birth through to the age of 18 when they were interviewed about their own experience of depression."
To avoid the condition, the researches advised that fathers should get more help when they experience postnatal depression. They also warned that men find it harder to cope with the condition as they feel more pressured. They often suffered in silence, not telling everyone how they feel, which will eventually end up "boiling over with anger."
Fortunately, NHS head Simon Stevens revealed, via the Telegraph, mental checkups for new fathers will be part of the 10 years health service. It is also expected to be published soon.
Lobby group Fathers Reaching Out founder and paternal depression campaigner Mark Williams added that the fathers' postnatal depression affects the whole family when it remains to be unsupported. It even often results to fathers seeking to cope in negative ways, trying to avoid the situation, and ending up feeling anger.
Williams continued to say that in his experience working with different families, fathers are often suffering in silence. However, only a few of them are asked about their mental health and situation after becoming a parent.
