It strikes 10% of new dads

UP TO 10 per cent of new fathers are affected by postnatal depression.

The condition is thought to be caused by a combination of a lack of sleep, the increased pressures of fatherhood and the emotional stress of the birth.

According to the National Childbirth Trust charity, certain men are much more prone to the condition. They include those in an alreadystrained relationships or men whose partner also has postnatal depression. The best treatment is counselling, support groups and antidepressants, if necessary.