A new survey suggests that one in five fathers suffers from depression by the time their child is twelve.

The researchers say the stresses of having a child trigger the depression – such as too little sleep, changed responsibilities and extra pressures being placed on the parents’ relationship.

It’s not the same as post-natal depression, of course, but parenthood can be hard on new dads too. If you’re used to being on two incomes, the drop in salary makes a big difference and makes work much more stressful. Sleep deprivation is used by torturers for very good reasons. And there are all kinds of fears and worries thrown into the mix. Given all that, if you don’t go a bit daft you’re perhaps underestimating the seriousness of the situation.