Becoming a new dad can be an exciting and challenging time in your life. Many changes happen within a family after having a baby. In this new role, you are trying to figure out how to take care of the baby, your partner, and other responsibilities. The first few months can be the toughest. The time goes by so fast. You start to miss your old life. Don’t worry, these feelings are very common.
Be aware of how you’re feeling. With support, you’ll get better.
Feeling excluded and alone?
You are doing the best you can and yet, you are finding everything you do for your partner isn’t right or good enough, so you start to feel resentful and pull away from your relationship. Family and friends ask about your partner and baby and not about how you are doing, which is making you feel alone and excluded. If this is happening to you, there is help.
A very real condition called paternal postpartum depression can happen any time after the birth or adoption of a baby. It may happen even during pregnancy, go away after the birth and come back 3-6 months later. If your partner is experiencing postpartum depression, there is a good chance that you will too.
Some Dads may feel:
- Overwhelmed with work and caring for baby and family
- Stressed, tired and frustrated with partner and baby
- Angry and resentful
- Isolated and alone
June 18th, 2018 is International Fathers’ Mental Health Day
For information on resources in your community that can help new parents, call Toronto Public Health at 416-338-7600 or e-chat with us (Mon-Fri 8:30-4:30).
