By Jaime Herndon

A lot of studies have been in the news lately about postpartum depression, and motherhood and depression, but the topic of fathers and depression has been a quiet one. Kevin Shafer and Garrett Place, from Brigham Young and Princeton, respectively, published a study in the journal Social Work that looked at how different kinds of parents handle stress. Some stepfathers had the highest levels of stress, and depression increases for both parents when there’s a blended family, especially when a third child from that relationship is born (“yours, mine, ours”). Parents in these families were 57 percent more likely to be depressed than parents with just one role (i.e. not stepparents plus blended). Fathers in blended families whose biological children don’t live with them are particularly at risk for suffering from depression.

Men are less likely to seek help or support when they need it, professional help or personal support. Since more and more families are blended families, many parents, especially fathers, are at risk for depression. If you notice your brother, in-law, or friend showing signs of depression or if he seems extremely stressed, letting him know you’re there for him can be a big help. Normalizing the situation helps dissolve any stigma they may be feeling. If they open up, or are willing to seek help, support them and suggest talking to their family doctor about finding a therapist, if necessary, or a fathers’ support group. And step in to help with your nieces and nephews as much as possible.

Here are some helpful links to share:

DadsMOVE (Mentoring Others with Voices of Experience)

Fathers’ Forum

Just 4 Dads

Photo: stockimages
Published: February 11, 2014