Postpartum depression is far better understood than it was just a few decades ago. It affects over 10% of new mothers, making it a very common issue that mothers have to face. The progress the medical profession has made results in far better treatment, and friends and family are now far more aware of PND.
There is still very little known about paternal postpartum depression (PPND). Yet, dads can also experience similar symptoms; unfortunately, not many people are aware of it (including dads themselves!).
Can Men Really Get the Baby Blues?
Yes, according to strides made in medical research, the Journal of the American Medical Association has concluded that approximately one in ten men will experience PPND between the first trimester and six months after childbirth. Depression goes up by a staggering 68% during the first five years after childbirth.
What’s perhaps more shocking is the number of men suffering from PPND between the child’s three and six months: 26%! That’s over twice the average rate of depression in men. The study from the journal assessed 43 studies, which included 28,000.
Clearly, more research needs to be done to assess just how big paternal postpartum depression is. It’s been underestimated and poses a significant public health concern. Just like we need to understand a mother’s mental health during pregnancy, so too should we pay attention to the partner.
What are the Causes?
Research has shown that the cause of a mother’s postpartum depression can be found largely in hormonal fluctuations, triggered initially by pregnancy. This also happens in men; testosterone levels go down, while cortisol, prolactin, and estrogen level increases.
Many of the causes are similar to those for women. For example, a common trigger is suffering from financial concerns. The costs attached to having a child can be overwhelming, and can sometimes cloud the otherwise blessed experience of fatherhood.
Then there’s the worry men go through about becoming a father, particularly for the first time. Will I be a good dad? It’s a common question many men ask themselves, and no one can fully prepare you for fatherhood. This can sometimes lead to a lack of sleep and anxiety.
Age also comes into play and is a major risk factor. Men who are under the age of 25 have a far higher chance of developing symptoms of PPND.
What Symptoms are Associated with PPND?
There is a wide range of symptoms associated with PPND; many overlaps with the symptoms women suffer. For example, you may find dads will have to contend with excessive worrying, anxiety, depression, as well as mood swings. In rare cases, men will also suffer from psychosis.
It must be kept in mind that symptoms will not be uniform and they can present very different between individuals. Men will often find themselves very conflicted when first facing symptoms; it is normal that they will seem a little withdrawn, often seeming distant from family and friends.
As an extension, men will often start to seem completely disconnected. You may find dads facing bouts of frustration, irritability, and sometimes even anger. Insomnia is also common, with men often turning to alcohol or drug use to cope with the range of symptoms.
The lack of treatment and awareness is worrying and can lead to problems in the dad’s relationship with their partner. Suppressing emotions only serves to make things worse; many have reported seeing increased acts of violence and lack of involvement in parenting.
How Treatment Options Work
Clearly, PPND is a very serious issue and men should seek treatment. However, there is not a single pill or step-by-step that fits every individual. But there are several things that can be done.
For instance, therapy is a fantastic starting point. Men should try and seek a therapist they can talk to. Counseling is wildly underrated, with the traditional patriarchal stance working against a lot of men.
Perhaps the most important step is to realize that it’s normal. Suffering from PPND is common and dads should not feel like they need to suffer alone. The idea of it has to be strong for the family to actually work against the situation.
Remember, as a dad, you’re not alone. Seek the help you need and don’t be afraid to ask for support. Tackle it together as a family.
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