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We have always considered that only women could experience baby blues or postpartum depression. However, recent research is challenging this belief. Fathers also have postpartum depression.
What Is Postnatal Depression?
Postpartum depression is defined as a major depressive episode [1] that occurs shortly after childbirth. The condition is most often found in women but recently, researchers have been paying attention to men.
Can Fathers have Postpartum Depression?
Yes, they can. A recent meta-analysis (a study of studies) that examined [2] over one million participants in over 30 countries concluded that men also have postpartum depression.
How Common is Postpartum Depression?
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that between 10% and 20% of women experience depression at some point after childbirth. This is around 1 in 10 women. It is also estimated that approximately 1 in 10 fathers [3] experience postpartum depression.
The WHO estimates that postpartum depression will become the second leading cause of disability and the most common mental illness worldwide.
It affects men and women all over the world no matter their age, educational level, race, or socieconomic status.
Pregnancy Depression Linked to Child Behavioral Issues
A recent study by the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) points to a mother’s mood and fluctuations in depression pre-conception, during pregnancy, and post-partum affecting a child’s behavior and emotional well-being. Read More
Paternal depression, as with women, can happen before or after the baby is born. Women usually show symptoms within four to six weeks after giving birth, but it can appear as late as three months after birth. In the case of fathers, it seems that they are more likely to experience depression during the first trimester of the pregnancy, and when the baby is between 3 and 6 months old [4].
Why Do Fathers Have Postpartum Depression?
In recent years, fathers have become much more involved in the life of their children. However, they are not receiving much support during their transition to fatherhood. This lack of support may be one of the factors explaining postpartum depression in men.
Fathers also find it difficult to access healthcare services when they are struggling because postpartum depression is still considered to be a problem that only affects women by many health care professionals.
We are also beginning to understand that men’s hormones [5] also change when they become fathers. Their testosterone levels tend to decrease. Fathers with lower levels of testosterone report having more depressive symptoms. Men not only experience a change in their hormones when they become fathers, their brain also changes. Scientists are only starting to investigate the ‘dad brain’. And it seems that their brain changes in a similar way as that of new mothers. Their brain becomes more streamlined to do what it needs to do: care for the baby.
Other Factors That Influence Postpartum Depression in Fathers
- Male gender role stress (MGRS): Men who feel the pressure to behave like a ‘typical man’, are more likely to experience postpartum depression because this pressure gets worse when the baby is born. This seems to be the main factor predicting whether a man will experience postpartum depression. [6]
- History of paternal mental illness: this seem to be an important factor as well. When a man has had a mental illness before, he is more likely to experience postpartum depression
- Unplanned pregnancy: fathers that find themselves in this situation have more chances of developing postpartum depression.
- Lack of sleep is very much linked with paternal depression, especially among first-time fathers.
- Work-family conflict: many fathers find it difficult to find a balance between work and family.
- Marital distress: the arrival of a baby usually means that the parents’ relationship suffers. Conflict between the couple predicts depression in fathers.
- Maternal depression: when a mother experiences depression, the father is more likely to experience it as well. After all, both mother and father experience similar problems and difficulties. From a practical point of view this means that when the father or the mother is diagnosed with depression, the other one should be evaluated. This is why in 2020, the Journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics called on pediatricians to evaluate the mental health of all new parents, regardless of gender.
- Financial burden of having a baby: the cost of raising a child from birth to 18 years old in the UK is £223,356. In the US it costs $310,605 and in Spain €109,152.
- Lack of social support: fathers who feel better supported are less likely to experience depression.
Symptoms of Postpartum Depression in Fathers
Symptoms must be present for most of the day and last for at least two weeks. They can look different in men and women.
Men are likely to experience the following symptoms:
- Irritability, anger, sudden outbursts, or violent behavior
- Working all the time or a lot less
- Feeling frustrated or cynical
- Feeling overwhelmed, hopeless, or sad
- Loss of interest in work or favorite activities
- Acting distant or withdrawing from friends and family
- Impulsive behavior
- Engaging in risky behaviours like drinking alcohol or using drugs
- Low motivation
- Physical symptoms like muscle or stomach aches or headaches
- Poor concentration
- Suicidal thoughts
Why Does It Matter if Fathers Have Postpartum Depression?
It matters [7] because:
- Fathers matter and they deserve to be mentally healthy
- The mental health of the father influences the mental health of the baby
- The mental health of the father influences the mental health of the mother
How Is Postpartum Depression Diagnosed?
Postpartum depression is diagnosed [8] using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). This scale should only be administered by a mental health professional. This scale was developed to identify women who may have postnatal depression. In the past few years, it has been adapted to men. It has 10 questions, like: “The thought of harming myself has occurred to me”, “I have been so unhappy that I have been crying”, or “I have been so unhappy that I have had difficulty sleeping”. Parents must answer how often they experience these symptoms.
How Is Postpartum Depression in Fathers Treated?
Depending on the severity of the symptoms, treatment may include:
- Talk therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Couples therapy
- Attending support groups
- Antidepressants: they are usually recommended when depression is more severe or other treatments have not helped.
Tips for New Fathers
- Exercise regularly
- Eat well
- Do not drink or take drugs
- Sleep and rest when you can
- Do things you enjoy
- Meet with friends and family
- Discuss your feelings
- Do not try to be a super dad
- Ask for help if you find yourself struggling
Finally....
Having a baby is a beautiful experience but it is also very challenging. If you are expecting a baby or have a little baby and are finding it difficult, please reach out. We are here to help.
You may also find these articles useful:
Matrescence: Are We Finally Understanding Motherhood?
Parenting Advice: Advice for New Parents
Love,
Ana
