'Part of me definitely died when our daughter was born'

A US dad has shared his story of postnatal depression, confessing that when his daughter was born he felt like part of him “had died”.

The unidentified dad was featured as part of the popular Humans of New York Instagram series. He said he'd made the trip to New York at his wife's urging, so he could clear his head.

"My wife urged me to take this little trip to New York so that I can clear my head," he writes on the series Instagram page.

In the latest episode of Honey Mums, Channel Nine sports presenter Sam Squiers, Channel Nine talks to Deb about how she almost died when giving birth to her pre-mature baby. (Article continues.)

https://omny.fm/shows/9honey-super-mums/sam-squiers/embed

"It’s just for two days," he continues. "But my leash has been so short lately that it feels like an eternity."

The new dad says he feels part of him died when his daughter was born.

"Part of me definitely died when our daughter was born," he says. "I was always a free spirited person. I travelled a lot. I never had a boss. I had all the choices in the world.

"But a lot of that disappeared in order to make things possible for my daughter," he writes. "I watch her during the day. And I’m not mad about it. This is the happiest time of my life. It would be great if my daughter was here right now. It’d be so fun to watch her run around the park."

He then goes on to document the anxiety that has come with being a dad.

"But I’d also be worried about her safety," he says. "And the diaper bag. And the car seat. And the stroller. And our next meal. And our next place to stay. There’s always a flickering flame of worry that doesn’t go away.

"Back home we live by the beach," he explains. "And if my wife ever senses that I’m getting overwhelmed, she tells me to go jump in the ocean. And that resets me for a few days. It’s all I need. I just need a little space to be me. Because it can be so easy to get lost in helping a new person become someone."

According to Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia (PANDA), one in 20 men experience depression during their partner's pregnancy and up to one in 10 new dads struggle with feeling of depression after their children are born.

If you or someone you know is suffering from perinatal or postnatal anxiety and depression contact PANDA on 1300 726 306.

Share your story by sending an email to 9Honey@nine.com.au.