For many fathers, talking about their mental health can feel incredibly difficult. There can be pressure to cope, to support their partner and family, and to put their own feelings to one side. But fathers can experience postnatal depression and other perinatal mental health difficulties too, and they deserve to be heard, supported and taken seriously.
This August, one dad’s decision to speak openly about his own experience helped bring that message to a much wider audience.
Steve’s story
PANDAS Foundation volunteer Steve Sharman experienced postnatal depression following the birth of his daughter, Florence. He has spoken openly about the anger, intrusive thoughts and depression he experienced, as well as how difficult it was to recognise what was happening and ask for help.
“I never expected something that was such a difficult and personal experience for me to become something I would talk about publicly.”
With support, Steve recovered and went on to become a PANDAS volunteer, using his experience to help other fathers feel less alone.
In August, Steve and his partner Emily shared their story on ITV’s Good Morning Britain, opening up a national conversation about the realities of postnatal depression for fathers.
One story, multiple platforms, one vital message
Steve’s story reached audiences across the UK through extensive media coverage, including The Daily Mirror, ITV’s Good Morning Britain, People, Yahoo Life UK, AOL, BBC Radio Stoke, Macclesfield Nub News, East Cheshire NHS Trust and Metro.
The coverage created opportunities to talk about the signs of postnatal depression in men, the barriers fathers can face when seeking help, and the importance of making sure fathers are included in conversations about perinatal mental health.
It also highlighted why supporting fathers matters not only for their own wellbeing, but for their relationships and families. PANDAS Dads Ambassador Dr Anna Machin emphasised the importance of fathers’ relationships with their children, saying: “We know that where fathers have secure attachments to their children, the children have better outcomes.”
Breaking the silence around fathers’ mental health
At PANDAS Foundation, we believe that all parents and carers deserve support with their perinatal mental health, including fathers, men and male carers.
Steve’s story is a powerful reminder that postnatal depression does not only affect mothers. By talking openly about difficult experiences, we can help challenge stigma, encourage men to recognise when they may be struggling, and make it easier to ask for support.
One dad’s story may have started the conversation, but the message is one we want every father to hear:
You are not alone. Your mental health matters. And support is available.