A phenomenological exploration into the lived experience of fathers living with new mothers diagnosed as PND

Postnatal depression (PND) is a widely studied area of research but limited research can be found pertaining to partners of women suffering from postnatal depression. The current research aims to explore the lived experiences of the fathers and consider the impact that it has on all dimensions of their existence. For this purpose, van Manen’s approach based on hermeneutic phenomenology was utilized blended with Structural Existential Analysis (SEA) to uncover the deeper meaning and to develop a more nuanced understanding of their lived experience. The study was limited in terms of sample size and demography, and consisted of seven participants who were all White, British, first-time fathers, working full-time, falling within the 30-40 years of age with no access to familial support. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews. The major findings of the study were grouped under eight universal themes, viz. Emotional roller-coaster, Suffering as a couple, Lack of support, Surviving the situation, Living with her PND, Personal challenges, Meeting expectations and Being with others. The findings showed the fathers being ill-equipped to deal with the situation because they were not aware of PND’s impacts and implications. Communicating with their partners effectively became impossible and the relationship of the partners started to suffer. It was found that sources of support were not easily identifiable or accessible by the fathers. The fathers ended up having to find their own personal ways of coping with the situation and their emotional as well as physical wellbeing came under immense pressure. The study has significant implications for both the healthcare practice and service provision to vulnerable individuals as well as for therapeutic work with clients in similar situations.