Fathers With Postnatal Depression (PND)

Note that there is a similar project in Victoria.

Nature/Culture and Lived Experience

Introduction

Postnatal Depression (PND) is a major concern in Australian Society.

Although around 10% of both mothers and fathers experience postnatal depression, to date most PND support has been focused on mothers.

The purpose of this research is to investigate how postnatal depression is perceived and lived through by new and experienced fathers from a range of ethnicities and family types.  It aims to provide further insights into how postnatal depression is understood and the factors that influence the experience.

I hope to hear the male ‘voice’ of PND, to explore the understandings of those associated with PND awareness and support such as partners, midwives, health organisations and community groups, and hopefully to provide further understanding of the impact of fathers’ PND in the community and the implications for mental health Care.

Are you a father that has suffered from POSTNATAL DEPRESSION (PND)?

Or are you the partner of a man that has experienced postnatal depression?

I am a sociology PhD student at the University of New South Wales, Sydney and am undertaking qualitative research on fathers who have suffered from postnatal depression.

I would like to talk to any men who have lived with PND (who are currently well) AND/OR their partner residing in New South Wales to discuss their experiences and understandings of PND.

I welcome participation by people from a wide variety of ethnicities, cultures and family types. Sufferers may have been diagnosed by a medical professional or self-diagnosed. Participants must be aged 18 years or older and be happy to take part in a semi-structured interview of approximately 60 minutes duration.

This study has the approval of the Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC) of the University of New South Wales.

The results of the study will be published as a thesis and may be published in academic journals and presented at conferences.   All participants will remain anonymous in any results or presentation of analysis.

If you would like to participate or request further information please contact: