According to Plunket, postnatal depression strikes as many as one in four new mums. It can occur at any time in the first year following birth and, although it is more common in those who have suffered episodes of depression in the past, women who have never been mentally unwell before may also experience it.
What is far less well known is that postnatal depression can also be an issue for fathers.
Often in men the problem isn't recognised and symptoms of postnatal depression may differ. For women, these include crying a lot, feeling overly anxious about the baby, having thoughts of causing harm, insomnia, aches and pains, and a sense of not being able to cope. Men, however, tend to get frustrated, agitated, irritable and detached. And they may use drugs or alcohol to try to cope.
Recent research drawn from the University of Otago's Christchurch Health and Development Study found that 5.4% of the first-time fathers surveyed were classified as having major depression within a year of their child's birth. All of them were under 30.
Denne historien er fra August 12-18 2023-utgaven av New Zealand Listener.
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Denne historien er fra August 12-18 2023-utgaven av New Zealand Listener.
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First-world problem
Harrowing tales of migrants attempting to enter the US highlight the political failure to fully tackle the problem.
Applying intelligence to AI
I call it the 'Terminator Effect', based on the premise that thinking machines took over the world.
Nazism rears its head
Smirky Höcke, with his penchant for waving with a suspiciously straight elbow and an open palm, won't get to be boss of either state.
Staying ahead of the game
Will the brave new world of bipartisanship that seems to be on offer with an Infrastructure Commission come to fruition?
Grasping the nettle
Broccoli is horrible. It smells, when being cooked, like cat pee.
Hangry? Eat breakfast
People who don't break their fast first thing in the morning report the least life satisfaction.
Chemical reaction
Nitrates in processed meats are well known to cause harm, but consumed from plant sources, their effect is quite different.
Me and my guitar
Australian guitarist Karin Schaupp sticks to the familiar for her Dunedin concerts.
Time is on my side
Age does not weary some of our much-loved musicians but what keeps them on the road?
The kids are not alright
Nuanced account details how China's blessed generation has been replaced by one consumed by fear and hopelessness.
