‘’Yes, men can also suffer from postpartum depression, and this condition is referred to as the paternal postpartum depression or paternal postnatal depression. During the postpartum period, not only do mothers suffer from depression, but also the fathers of newborn babies.
Male Postpartum Depression is Real!
The birth of a newborn baby brings a lot of joy and happiness, and parents feel blessed to enjoy the new parenthood. It is a common concept that only mothers suffer from different prenatal disorders, like postpartum depression. But in reality, males can also suffer from postpartum depression as they are a part of the family.
Prevalence of Postpartum Depression in Men
Several studies have reported that 1 in 10 men experience paternal postpartum depression and anxiety. Males exhibit 50% more vulnerability to paternal postpartum depression who are partners of those females who are dealing with this mental illness.
Nowadays, there is an increasing awareness regarding the concept of postpartum depression in males, other than females, as they also become subjects of postpartum depression. In previous times, people had a belief that only females suffer from depression during pregnancy and after giving birth to a baby. But now, postpartum depression in males is getting recognized and effectively diagnosed and treated by professionals.
What are the Common Symptoms of Postpartum Depression in Men?
Males suffering from postpartum depression usually experience the following signs or symptoms:
- Extreme feelings of sadness
- Excessive anger outbursts
- Irritable behavior
- Withdrawal from friends or family
- Sense of hopelessness
- Low energy levels
- Difficulty in sleeping
- Sense of fatigue or tiredness
- Difficulty in focus or concentration
- Low motivation
- Lack of interest in different activities
- Workaholic nature
- Feelings of emptiness
- Alcohol or substance abuse
- Intrusive or self-harming thoughts
- Physical symptoms like a headache or stomach ache
What are the Main Causes of Postpartum Depression in Men?
There is not a single cause of prenatal postpartum depression in men, as there are several factors that work in a combined way and result in the development of postpartum depression in men or partners, such as:
Hormonal Changes
Hormonal alterations not only occur in females, but males also have to experience them after childbirth. The levels of testosterone and prolactin are reduced while cortisol and vasopressin levels increase. These hormonal shifts directly affect their mood and cause the onset of perinatal postpartum depression.
Financial Strain
Most males start taking stress from the expenses of a newborn baby, which include their diapers, baby food, etc. Due to their increased financial stress, they suffer from postpartum depression.
Feelings of Isolation
Mothers have a major role in the initial care of a newborn baby. But most of the males start feeling excluded as they think their bond with the baby is not the same as the mother’s. In addition, they also take stress by thinking that they can not participate in all the activities that mothers do for their babies. Therefore, their strong feelings of isolation also propel them towards postpartum depression.
Lack of Sleep
Those males who do not get sufficient sleep due to excessive baby crying and other stress factors are more likely to have postpartum depression than others.
Younger age
Those males who become fathers at a very young age can also suffer from postpartum depression. They do not understand things better and do not easily find ways to handle the new life, especially after childbirth.
Previous history of mental illness
If a man has a personal history of any mental illness, such as anxiety, depression, etc, they also become more vulnerable to suffering from prenatal postpartum depression.
Reduced social support
Whatever the issue that males are dealing with, if they get support from their friends or family, then they can overcome it. But if they do not get social support, their stress increases, and ultimately, they experience postpartum depression.
Relationship issues
Certain marital conflicts or issues also increase the chances of postpartum depression in men.
Having a partner with depression
If a male is initially not dealing with any mental illness, but his partner is suffering, then there is an increased probability of the occurrence of postpartum depression in men.
How is Postpartum Depression different in Men as compared to Women?
The postpartum depression in men is quite different from that in women. Although there is a significant overlap of the symptoms, there are still major differences.
Symptom Presentation
Men
Males show more anger and tantrums than women in postpartum depression. Likewise, they also participate more in risky or harmful activities.
Women
Women with postpartum depression usually report more sadness, guilt, shame, and loss of interest in multiple activities. Moreover, they also exhibit more crying behavior even without any apparent reason.
Onset of Postpartum Depression
Men
In males, the symptoms of postpartum depression usually develop later as compared to women, typically up to a year postpartum.
Women
The onset of postpartum depression in males typically occurs within the first weeks of childbirth.
Emotional expression
Women dealing with postpartum depression easily open up and share their feelings of sadness, emotions, and thoughts.
Men usually hide their feelings and do not easily speak up in front of their partners. Instead of channelizing their emotions, they internalize them, and their stress and anxiety levels increase to a major extent.
Negative Impact on Relationships
Both men and women battling with postpartum depression face several issues in their relationship, which in turn affect their mental health.
Likewise
According to studies, it is estimated that approximately 1 in 7 women suffer from postpartum depression, while 1 in 10 males experience perinatal postpartum depression.
Negative effects on the child
If the male partner is suffering from postpartum depression, then there are increased chances that the child will show behavioral issues later in life. Likewise, depression in females usually results in emotional issues in growing children.
Overlapping Symptoms of Postpartum Depression in Men & Women
There is a symptom overlap of postpartum depression in both males and females, which includes:
- Negative changes in mood
- Negative changes in appetite
- Lack of interest or passion
- Sleep issues
- Suicidal thoughts
How is Postpartum Depression in Men Diagnosed?
Professional experts assess males with postpartum depression similarly to females. They gather the previous medical and family history and also identify the presence of at least five symptoms of postpartum depression in males. Moreover, they also determine other major factors, which include symptom severity, frequency, etc.
Why does Postpartum Depression in Males often Remain Undiagnosed?
We are living in a society where it is believed that men do not feel any pain, and they should not show their feelings and emotions. Moreover, if they get stuck in any issue the instead of getting help, they should rely on their own self. But this thing needs to change, and there is also a growing and increasing awareness related to mental issues in each gender. Only those men who speak their hearts out get the chance to get the treatment and support, as compared to those who only stay and suffer in silence. So, due to societal stigma and other related stress factors, postpartum depression in men usually remains undiagnosed, and it is diagnosed more commonly in women.
What is the Treatment of Postpartum Depression in Men?
Postpartum depression in men can be treated with the help of the following treatment options:
Medications
There is no specific medication that is approved by experts to treat postpartum depression in men. However, most experts usually recommend antidepressants to manage the symptoms of depression.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy or talk therapy is also widely employed by experts to assist individuals in overcoming their depression. Experts directly interact with the individuals who are battling postpartum depression. They first identify the triggers and then guide the individuals to alter their negative thought patterns to positive ones, which contribute to the development of postpartum depression.
Interpersonal Therapy
Due to postpartum depression, individuals face issues in communication and making bonds with their partner or loved ones. This therapy teaches them how to resolve them and develop strong and healthy bonds.
How to Manage Postpartum Depression in Men?
Fortunately, postpartum depression is manageable. The right strategies can work best in helping males get rid of postpartum depression.
Healthy & Positive lifestyle
Your mood and lifestyle are directly linked to your mental health. Whatever you do in your daily life, like what you eat and what activities you participate in, matters a lot for your mental health. So try to focus on the following things to enjoy wellness:
- Diet
- Sleep patterns
- Physical activity
If you are eating healthy food, getting sufficient sleep, and participating in productive activities, then you can protect your mental health and experience overall well-being.
Break the Stigma
You need to remember that there is nothing to feel ashamed of about postpartum depression. It’s ok to feel not be ok. Break the stigma associated with postpartum depression and take a step towards your well-being. Discuss with your partner or seek professional help if you feel that you can not handle your depression.
Stress Management Techniques
Males with postpartum depression can also reduce their stress or anxiety by regularly practicing the stress management techniques, which include:
- Yoga
- Meditation
- Deep breathing
Talk With Your Partner.
Don’t confine your feelings in a cage of your heart or mind. Talk with experts, share your feelings, or whatever you are feeling. By doing this, you will not only feel light but also get the chance to resolve all your relationship issues or conflicts.
Other complementary therapies that can also help in handling postpartum depression in males include:
- Gentle massage
- Bright light therapy
- Acupuncture
- Animal therapy
- Music therapy
Support Groups
You can also join the support groups and get the best guidance and support on how to deal with postpartum depression.
How Do Family Members Provide Support For Postpartum Depression in Men?
If your partner or father is dealing with postpartum depression, then you can also help them get rid of postpartum depression in the following ways:
- Spend some time with them and make them feel secure, listened or heard. Ask them to share their feelings in front of you without any fear. Tell them that it is not a big deal, as parents of a newborn baby have to experience this change after the birth of their newborn child.
- Encourage and support them to participate in different activities that are linked with the baby, such as feeding the baby, washing or changing their clothes, or arranging their necessary stuff etc.
- You can also set a schedule of childcare shifts so you and your partner get sufficient sleep and rest to be prepared for the next day to take care of your baby.
When to Seek Professional Help For Postpartum Depression in Men
If the depression symptoms are getting worse and have been present for two weeks or more, and also start interfering with normal life functioning, then it’s a good time to seek professional help for postpartum depression. Then, without any delay, find a professional who specializes in the treatment of postpartum depression.
Final Thoughts
Men can also suffer from postpartum depression along with their female partners. The concept of postnatal depression in males is misunderstood, but it is based on the fact that both new mothers and fathers can experience postpartum depression after childbirth. Males with prenatal postpartum depression usually experience low energy levels, high sadness, fatigue, low interest, passion, anger outbursts, and irritable behavior. Several combined factors result in the onset of postpartum depression in men, including family pressure, financial stress, lack of sufficient sleep, and the presence of any mental illness. However, the right therapeutic tools can help in preventing postpartum depression in men.
You Are Not Alone. Seek Professional Help at Brain Power Wellness Institute.
We are concerned with your mental health and your loved ones. Always remember that seeking professional help is not a sign of weakness, as it shows your courage and confidence. If you are mentally active, strong, or healthy, then you can achieve mental well-being and success in each phase of your life. Brain Power Wellness Institute is committed to empowering the mental health of each individual who is grappling with any mental illness.
If you or someone you know is dealing with postpartum depression or any other common mental illness, such as anxiety, depression, OCD, etc, then we are here to help. We have a skilled and trained team of mental health professionals who effectively develop individualized therapeutic strategies or treatment plans for each individual, including children, adolescents, and adults.
So if you want to unveil your inner actual potential to conquer the world, then Brain Power should be your ultimate choice, as here you can find the best mental health professionals and also their highly effective and advanced mental health treatment plans that cater to the distinct needs of each individual.
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