Fathers 'just as likely to suffer postnatal depression' A co-author Jan Nicholson, from the Parenting Research Centre in Melbourne, said fathers have become increasingly susceptible to mental health problems as they have taken on a more significant role in parenting. "Increasingly there is a recognition that fathers are a key support for women with children," Professor Nicholson told ABC Online. This study shows, however, men are vulnerable too, because they are also lacking in sleep and juggling roles and responsibilities ... We need to be detecting at-risk fathers early and responding early, because we know [mental health issues] are harder to treat if they are prolonged. The study says health screening for postnatal depression risk among new mothers should be extended to new fathers. "It is recommended that routine screening for mental health difficulties also be extended to fathers in the postnatal period, and the capacity of practitioners working in early parenting settings strengthened to respond to the specific needs of fathers," it says. This may include public health messages about father wellbeing to normalise and promote help-seeking during this time of significant adjustment.