Fathers And Perinatal Mental Health

This book seeks to address the reasons why the father or the potential father could suffer from a mental disorder or illness during the perinatal period, his reactions, and what can be done to help him. The book is intended to help health practitioners and anyone who is concerned about fathers' mental health.

For too many families, the postpartum period brings unexpected pain and devastation when depression entered the picture. The anticipated joy and pleasure of parenthood is replaced with feelings of fear, sadness, anger, confusion and resentment. Research has shown that supportive relationships during postpartum depression treatment is associated with a reduction in depressive symptoms. When partners have the right information, they will not only gain a better understanding of the illness and its impact, they will also feel better themselves. Furthermore, we know that this understanding and capacity for support is directly related to his wife's sense of well being and control. In my first book, "This Isn't What I Expected: Overcoming Postpartum Depression" (Bantam, 1994), we included a chapter for husbands, which turned out to be an invaluable resource for the partners of women suffering from PPD. After receiving feedback from the families I treat, I was shown that husbands needed support and information that is distinct from what their wives were seeking. "The Postpartum Husband" offers that information with its handy reference-style format and addresses specific questions that may arise throughout the course of the illness. As the husband feels more in control of the situation and his wife feels understood and cared for, symptoms improve and recovery is augmented.

It is only in recent years that there has been development in the awareness of the father’s mental health. Yet, the father’s mental health can influence the mother, the infant, the family and society. This book seeks to address the reasons why the father or the potential father could suffer from a mental disorder or illness during the perinatal period, his reactions, and what can be done to help him. The book explores the way in which fathers’ mental health has presented in the past and how it presents now. It looks at the father’s attitudes towards his mental well-being and how he may self-manage and self-medicate. It examines the impact and influence the potential father and the father’s mental health has on his partner, infant and children. The reasons for certain disorders and illnesses are outlined, along with how they may manifest and are managed. Treatment options and types of medication are discussed and the ways in which the father can access the best possible help and support. Stories from fathers who have suffered from a particular mental illness or condition help others to understand both the practicalities and realities. The uniqueness of the shared stories from fathers highlights why recognition treatment and management are important to help other fathers improve their relationship with their partner and infant and to improve their own wellbeing. The book is intended to help health practitioners and anyone who is concerned about fathers’ mental health.

This aim of this open access book is to launch an international, cross-disciplinary conversation on fatherhood engagement. By integrating perspective from three sectors -- Health, Social Policy, and Work in Organizations -- the book offers a novel perspective on the benefits of engaged fatherhood for men, for families, and for gender equality. The chapters are crafted to engaged broad audiences, including policy makers and organizational leaders, healthcare practitioners and fellow scholars, as well as families and their loved ones.

Perinatal Mental Health is an invaluable reference fornurses, midwives and other health professionals working with thisclient group, covering current thinking on the causes ofmothers’ mood disorders and the consequences for her infant,the family, society and most importantly the mother herself. This book covers the recognition, treatment, care and managementof perinatal mental health disorders with chapters on the antenatalperiod; postnatal depression and bipolar disorder; psychosis,personality disorders, eating disorders, sexual issues, self harmand suicide; possible causes of postnatal depression; themultidisciplinary team; and global cultural practices.

Listening Visits in Perinatal Mental Health focuses on how women and families suffering from perinatal mental illness can be supported by a wide range of practitioners. Based on the skills of attentive listening, it is designed for use by health professionals and support workers concerned with maternal mental health and the mental health of the family. This accessible guide: Covers the process and progression of perinatal mental health Discusses the types of anxiety and depression which may occur during the perinatal period Examines the impact of maternal mental illness of the infant, father and family Explores the available assessment tools, such as the EPDS Presents the theories behind the efficacy of listening and counselling skills, as well as the evidence which recommends this type of therapy Gives suggestions of alternative therapeutic approaches and further resources to explore around perinatal mental health Emphasises the importance of looking after yourself and making use of supervision and peer support. With chapters focused on listening to mothers, fathers and infants and paying attention to cultural diversity, Listening Visits in Perinatal Mental Health builds on the knowledge that many professionals working with new mothers already have about perinatal mental health. It focuses on developing the skills needed to put this knowledge into practice and includes case examples and follow-up activities throughout.

Identifying Perinatal Depression and Anxiety bringstogether the very latest research and clinical practice on thistopic from around the world in one valuable resource. Examines current screening and management models, particularlythose in Australia, England and Wales, Scotland, and the UnitedStates Discusses the evidence, accuracy, and limitations of screeningmethods in the context of challenges, policy issues, and questionsthat require further research Up to date practical guidance of how to screen, assess,diagnose and manage is provided. Considers the importance of screening processes that involveinfants and fathers, additional training for health professionals,pathways to care following screening, and the economics ofscreening Offers forward-thinking synthesis and analysis of the currentstate of the field by leading international experts, with the goalof sketching out areas in need of future research