“They just kept saying right, anti-depressants”: A qualitative study of fathers’ experiences of help-seeking for postnatal depression

Background: Men’s help-seeking is known to be restricted by stigma. However, little is known about fathers’ help-seeking in relation to postnatal depression (PND). Aim: This study examined fathers’ help-seeking experiences for PND, including their motivators and perceived barriers. Method: Eight fathers from the United Kingdom who self-identified as having experienced PND took part in semi-structured interviews. Interview data were analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). Findings: Five themes were produced: (1) Not recognising PND as a mental health condition; (2) Fatherhood expectations restrict PND disclosure; (3) Disappointment at a medicalised response to help-seeking; (4) Health visiting as a feared profession that excludes fathers; and (5) Needing communication, validation, and a safe space to talk. Conclusion: Fathers may need sensitive and confidential professional support after the birth of their child. Nurses should routinely ask fathers about their well-being, whilst health visitors should reassure fathers that they are there to support them as well as the mother, allaying suspicions among men disclosing mental health difficulties could destabilise the family unit.