Читать книгу The Parental Leave Playbook - Sue Campbell - Страница 24

Although dads often face different issues than moms, it is important to highlight their transition. Dads often feel extreme pressure to “provide” for their families, which can lead to overwork and a lack of self-care with serious health impacts. Dads and other non-birthing parents are not immune to perinatal mental health challenges, either. Research shows that 1 in 10 fathers experience depression and anxiety after their child is born.¹⁵ Often, they do not seek help until they are in crisis. Partners of a birthing parent often internalize any emotional or physical difficulties that their partner or child may encounter as a reflection on them and something that they need (and want) to fix. They can be left feeling inadequate and unsure of how to step into their critical role.¹⁶ When we look at outcomes in cases when dad gets paid leave and cultural support for time at home, we see how much it helps. For example, a study on a 2012 Swedish law that granted fathers more access to parental leave found that their partners' need for prescription anti-anxiety medications decreased by 26%.¹⁷ When dads take paternity leave they are more confident as parents, have better relationships with their partners, and are less likely to be separated or divorced for as many as six years later.¹⁸