Depressed Dads More Likely To Spank Infants

If you had an illness that caused you to abuse your child, would you get help? Although it is often ignored, post-natal depression affects fathers, and can change their parenting.

A new study show that 40 percent of fathers suffering from post-natal depression have hit their one year old, while only 13 percent of healthy ones do it. These sad dads are also less likely to read to their kids.

Most fathers have access to help, but don’t mention anything about how they are feeling. Few doctors will ask about it in men, although it affects seven percent of new fathers, according to the University of Michigan study.

While women, and especially mothers, are expected to have the occasional emotional break-down, many men feel the responsibility to be a steady rock for their partner to rely on. It is no wonder that some men have a hard time dealing with the complexities of being a parent, when they spent their days zombie-eyed at work and take over a majority of the baby care from their frazzled wives when they get home.

The manly thing to do is admit you need help. If you you can’t shake the blues, are feeling sleep-deprived and resentful to your child, tell your doctor.

Contact the author here: mick@morningquickie.com