This Morning viewers praise father Mike Simms for opening up about his experience with male post-natal depression

THIS Morning viewers rushed to Twitter to praise a male guest for discussing his experience with what he believed to be post-natal depression.

Post-natal depression is a common problem that affects around one in ten women with a year of giving birth, but it is also known to affect fathers and partners.

But this is much less common and for fireman Mike Simms, the experience came as a complete surprise and made it difficult for him to bond with his daughter.

Speaking to hosts Ruth Langsford and Eamonn Holmes, Mike explained: "You think you’ll make this instant bond and be a picture perfect family. We have planned for this baby and we were excited.

"The birth came and I’m not going to  say it was traumatic for me because for the lady it was horrendous. As I watched, I felt like it was my fault she was in pain. It was horrendous to watch."

He continued: "Afterwards you get this small pink  person. Effie had already been making her bond in her pregnancy. But for me this was the first time I met Monroe.

"I thought I would feel a huge rush of emotion and this intense connection. But it was just like meeting any other person. I felt totally disconnected. I felt like there was something wrong."

Mike explained: "I was jealous of Effie and Monroe's bond and it affected me. I felt like the baby hated me because she was always crying around me but with Effie she would go quiet.

"I went to a GP and he said if you go NHS it will take 6-8 weeks, but I went private and they were able to help. I do have a bond with Monroe now and I was able to have the normal bond with our second child."

Dr Jonty Heaversedge commented: "Men don't like talking about their feelings, whether it's after a birth or any other time. Men don't seek help, and it's really important to talk about it.

"The act of sharing is a huge relief and often that's the most important thing you can do. It's so important that we acknowledge this as a real issue."

Viewers praised the fearless fireman for raising awareness on the issue as one wrote: "Interesting story on #thismorning about fathers suffering with postnatal depression. Great to see #dads speaking so honestly! #dontforgetdad."

Another tweeted: "Huge respect to Mike for talking about fathers experiencing Post Natal Depression #breakdownthestigma #thismorning."

One commented: "Cannot believe how disbelieving everyone appears on #thismorning about men having post natal depression!"

Some viewers were sceptical about the experience being labelled post-natal depression as one wrote: "Dad post natal? I always thought that postnatal ishormonal. I would say it's more of a depression going towards selfishness."

Got a story? email digishowbiz@the-sun.co.uk or call us direct on 02077824220