The risk of “postpartum depression” for fathers Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare to the fact-finding survey August 16 5:28
The Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare decided to conduct a fact-finding survey and consider support measures, considering that there is a risk that the father may also become "depressed after childbirth" due to concerns about balancing work and childcare.
It is known that "postpartum depression" is affected by changes in the physical condition and life rhythm of mothers, but as males participate in childcare, their fathers also suffer because of concerns about work-life balance. It has been pointed out that there is a risk.
The Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare has newly set up a research group created by specialists in maternal and child health and psychiatrists in order to investigate the actual conditions of "postnatal depression" of fathers and to consider support measures.
The research team will analyze data on the health and lifestyle of fathers and investigate how much local governments and companies support fathers' childcare.
Kenji Takehara, Director of the National Center for Child Health and Development, who is a representative of the research group, said, "While fathers are encouraged to participate in childcare, their work styles are unchanged and the burden on their fathers is increasing. There is also a research result that the other side is likely to get into trouble, so it is necessary to support the father."