A British father has bravely opened up about his struggles with postpartum depression, seeking to support other new dads facing similar challenges. Steve Sharman, 36, from Nottingham, has shared his experience after the birth of his daughter, Florence, revealing the emotional turmoil he endured in the early weeks of fatherhood.
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Steve and his wife, Emily, welcomed their daughter in August 2020, a joyful occasion that soon turned clouded for Steve. Just a few days after Florence’s arrival, he found himself grappling with overwhelming feelings of anger and despair. He recounted that the sound of his newborn’s cries triggered an intense anger he had never previously experienced. “I’m not an angry person; I’ve never been an angry person,” Sharman explained during his appearance on the U.K. news programme Good Morning Britain.
In a candid moment, he confessed that he felt an urge to “throw” his daughter in an attempt to “solve the crying,” an alarming thought that he struggled to manage. The realisation that he was experiencing such troubling emotions led to a visit to his doctor, a step he initially hesitated to take. “I very nearly left the waiting room before I saw him,” he admitted, reflecting on his reluctance to discuss his feelings.
After finally speaking with his healthcare provider, Sharman was prescribed antidepressants and began therapy. He described the journey to recovery as gradual, stating, “Nothing was fixed immediately.” However, with the help of his doctor and ongoing communication with Emily, he started to make progress.
Emily, who appeared alongside Steve on Good Morning Britain, expressed concern over her husband’s mental health, noting the strangeness of him facing such challenges. “He’s been the rock for me through other things, so for it to be him seemed so bizarre,” she said. Acknowledging the fear that came with his thoughts, Emily supported Steve throughout his journey, highlighting the importance of their open communication.
Seeking broader support, Steve reached out to the PANDAS Foundation, a UK charity dedicated to helping those affected by postpartum depression. A video call with the organisation opened his eyes to the fact that he was not alone in his struggles. This connection ultimately inspired him to give back by volunteering with the charity, offering guidance and support to other new fathers navigating similar difficulties.
As Florence, now almost three years old, watched her parents from home during the interview, Steve took a moment to convey his love for her, stating, “She’s my world; I love her to bits.” His affection for his daughter remains apparent despite past struggles.
Sharman’s willingness to speak openly about his experience is part of a vital campaign to remove the stigma surrounding male mental health, particularly in the context of fatherhood. He emphasized that while raising children can be “hard” and “tough,” it is also immensely rewarding. “Men are guilty of keeping all emotions in, as it can be seen as a weakness to share that you are struggling,” he noted, urging others to talk about their feelings instead of suppressing them.
In his message to new parents, Sharman encouraged open communication, advising those going through difficult times to seek support from trusted friends, partners, or family members. “There is no shame in admitting things are hard,” he asserted, aiming to foster a dialogue about mental well-being in the realm of parenting.
Steve Sharman’s courageous revelation is a reminder of the significant emotional challenges that can accompany the transition to fatherhood. His advocacy not only serves to comfort others in similar positions but also contributes to a wider understanding of mental health issues affecting new parents.