Can Men Experience Postpartum Depression?

30 Sep Can Men Experience Postpartum Depression?

The birth of a newborn child can stir a variety of very powerful emotions in parents, from excitement and joy to fear and anxiety. But it can also result in something you might not expect – depression. While it might be expected for newborn mothers to experience a myriad of emotions during this period, it might come as a surprise that men can experience Postpartum Depression too.

Surprised?

Postpartum depression is a form of depression that can occur after the birth of a child. Even though this condition is a medical condition women experience after birthing their baby, men can also experience it, though differently. It is known as paternal postnatal depression or PPND. There are many reasons for this to happen – ranging from psychological reasons such as previous history of depression, marital discord to social factors such as poverty and inability to meet the needs of the newborn.

Men may not experience the pain of childbirth or need physical recovery, but the presence of a new child is a major life change. Fathers, like mothers need to pay attention to their mental health. Exhaustion and stress, in addition to other factors, can lead to male postpartum depression. 

If you are a father of a newborn and you experience poor sleep, irritability, withdrawals from activities you enjoy with friends, weight gain, a feeling of guilt or you question your abilities as a father within a year after the birth of your child, you need to consider this.

If as a man you begin to experience or exhibit these symptoms, do not hesitate to seek help. These are some more common symptoms associated with men dealing with postpartum depression:

• Excessive worrying
• A significant change in appetite
• A feeling of sadness or hopelessness
• Weight change/ weight gain
• Feeling worthless or guilty
• Inability to sleep (Insomnia)
• Sudden changes in mood
• Unexplained body aches or pains
• Loss of interest or pleasure in activities
• Loss of energy
• Inability to concentrate or make decisions.
• Feeling restless or agitated
• Thoughts of suicide or death
• Intrusive thoughts of harming the baby.

In conclusion, if you’re a new father experiencing any of these symptoms persistently after the birth of your child, please notify your partner, doctor, and/or mental health professional. The sooner you seek care, the sooner you can begin your journey on a pathway to complete recovery.

References

• https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/postpartum-depression/symptoms-causes/syc-20376617
• https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-male-postpartum-depression-5188022