What is Postpartum Depression in Men

Postpartum depression is depression suffered by a father following childbirth. Although postpartum depression is associated with women; new fathers also experience serious mood changes. Paternal postnatal depression is widely common with 10% of fathers becoming depressed just after their baby is born. Fathers experience real changes in their hormone levels after a baby is born. The frequent night feedings and rearranging your days to tend to the constant needs of a brand new baby can catch up to any new parent.

Why Does Postpartum Depression Occur in Men?

Although changes in hormone levels cause postpartum depression, other non-hormonal factors also play a role and they include:

1. Men get used to being the focus of their partner which changes when a baby enters the equation. Mothers tend to quickly bond with their children unlike men who bond differently with babies; it takes a while, which can make the father feel like a third wheel.
2. Providing for a new addition adds pressure. The pressure can ramp up stress around finances and career. When fathers sense they are struggling financially or in their career, they can feel sad, overwhelmed, and experience anxiety.
3. There is always a literary expectation that new dads should be over the moon. When a new dad is not quite feeling it yet, the dad might feel guilty on top of everything else. The guilt may lead to postpartum depression on the part of the new dad.

When Does Postpartum Depression Occur?

Postpartum depression is common in 10 percent of men from the first trimester of their partners pregnancy to six months after the child is born. The number spikes to 26 percent during the three to six months after birth

Some of the common signs of postpartum depression in men include:

• Anger and aggression.
• The new dad losses interest in work or favorite activities.
• The new father works all the time.
• Withdrawal from family and friends.
• Feeling frustrated and discouraged.
• The new dad feels sad, hopeless, and overwhelmed.

Men with a history of depression are at greater risk of postpartum depression and also new fathers whose partners have postpartum depression.

Conclusion.

Many men laugh off the idea of paternal postpartum depression rather than admitting that it is affecting them. There is nothing shameful about postpartum depression. When you have postpartum depression, asking for help means you are doing what you need to do to be the best partner and best dad you can be. It can be a huge help to find a reliable child care centre early on in your childs life, as it reduces stress later on.