Fathers Also Suffer from Postpartum Depression!
After the birth of a child, both men and women are susceptible. Psychologist James F. Paulson, assistant professor of pediatrics at Eastern Virginia Medical School in Norfolk, Va says that 10 % of new fathers and 14 percent of new mothers are affected by depression.
The causes may be different however the signs are similar in both sexes. Hormonal changes can add to a woman’s suffering, while sudden and sudden lifestyle changes are thought to trigger a father’s depression.
Depressed dads are more probable than moms to show destructive behaviors, as well as greater than before use of alcohol or drugs, anger, and risk-taking for example uncontrolled driving or extramarital sex. Some choose to work longer hours. Other marks: a depressed or sad mood, loss of interest or pleasure, weight gain or loss, oversleeping or trouble sleeping, restlessness, fatigue, feelings of worthlessness or guilt, impaired concentration, and thoughts of suicide or death. The depression can start in days or weeks of delivery and last for a year or more.
A dad’s postpartum depression can be harmful to the child as well as to both parents if untreated. Children born into such families are given less attention from the depressed parent and are at enlarged risk for developing physical and emotional problems. Depression in the dad is thought to boost the likelihood that his children will act out or behave destructively. (Depression in the mum, by contrast, is connected with reduced overall health, learning problems, and a greater risk for developing depression.) Postpartum depression can typically be treated with therapy, medication, or a combination.
A partner’s involvement is typically critical to identifying depression in a new father. “Often times, it will be the wife who is first to note,” says Berkeley, Calif., psychotherapist Will Courtenay, who dedicates yourself to men’s health. “She’ll say, ‘He just hasn’t been himself lately.’ ”
Watchfulness is most called for when one’s partner has been beforehand depressed. Having a history of depression or mental disease puts a father at greater risk of postpartum depression, as does having a partner with postpartum depression. This is true even if the pair is separated, divorced, or unmarried, says Paulson, whose Eastern Virginia team earlier this year finished a study, now under peer review, involving noncohabitating parents.
Thank you very much for this important article, and for bringing attention to this too often over-looked problem.
I wanted to let your readers know that postpartum depression in men is a very treatable condition. For most men, the biggest problem is NOT the depression itself, but the fact that think they should try to go it alone and not get help – and that’s the worst thing they can do. Left untreated, postpartum depression often worsens and can lead to other serious consequences for a man and his family.
It’s also worth noting when talking about hormonal changes, that men’s hormones change too during pregnancy and early in the postpartum period – and it’s a double-whammy. Not only do our testosterone levels decrease, but at the same time, our estrogen levels increase. That means less male hormones and more female hormones coursing though our bodies. These hormonal changes can really wreak havoc on a man’s life, and may help set the stage for postpartum depression.
I thought your readers might also like to know about a web site for men with postpartum depression: SadDaddy.com. It’s the only Internet site specifically for new dads with depression, and includes lots of information, an assessment for new fathers to complete, and an online forum for dads to talk with each other.
Thanks again, and keep up the good work!
Warm wishes,
Dr. Will Courtenay
TheMensDoc.com