A colleague from East Cheshire NHS Trust has shared his personal experience of post-natal depression as a dad with a national audience, helping to shine a spotlight on an issue that often goes unspoken.
Senior Communications Officer Steve Sharman, who has worked at the Trust since 2022, recently appeared on ITV's Good Morning Britain alongside his wife Emily and was also featured in the Daily Mirror, using both platforms to speak openly about his experience of post-natal depression following the birth of their daughter, Florence in 2023.
What began as a deeply personal experience has grown into a wider campaign to raise awareness of the mental health challenges fathers can face following the birth of a child.
Steve said: “If anyone had told me three years ago, I’d be speaking on national television about my fatherhood experience I’d have laughed at them.
"It is one of the proudest things I have ever done.
“Raising awareness doesn’t stop here though. I will continue to talk about it, raise awareness and break the stigma around fatherhood and mental health, so that no dad ever feels like they must suffer in silence.”
Alongside sharing his own story, Steve volunteers with the PANDAS Foundation, supporting dads experiencing perinatal mental health difficulties and helping to ensure fathers have a voice in conversations around perinatal mental health.
Through his volunteering and public speaking, Steve hopes to challenge the perception that post-natal depression only affects mothers and encourage more fathers to recognise when they need support and feel confident asking for help.
He added: “I never expected something that was such a difficult and personal experience for me to become something I would talk about publicly.
“But if sharing my story helps another dad realise they aren't alone or gives them the confidence to speak to someone about how they're feeling, then it makes it all worthwhile.”
Support is available
If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health during pregnancy or after having a baby, support is available.
The NHS advises speaking to a GP, midwife or health visitor if you think you may be experiencing post-natal depression. NHS Talking Therapies are also available for adults, with self-referral possible in many areas.
The PANDAS Foundation provides free support to parents and families affected by perinatal mental health difficulties, including support groups, WhatsApp support, email support and a callback service.
For more information, visit NHS – Postnatal depression or PANDAS Foundation.
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