Men Also Experience Postpartum Depression

We cannot underestimate the importance of increasing awareness of perinatal mood disorders and erasing the stigma associated with mental health struggles. In recent years we have seen a cultural shift towards women being more transparent about their fertility and motherhood journeys including perinatal mood and anxiety disorders.

Did you know that men can also struggle with postpartum depression?

Paternal postpartum depression is an episode of major depressive disorder in a father occurring soon after the birth of a child.

One in ten dads suffer from postpartum depression, and up to 18% develop a clinically significant anxiety disorder. This may occur at some point during the pregnancy or within the first year of a child being born.

Men are at the highest risk of depression within their partner’s first trimester of pregnancy and when their baby is between 3 and 6 months old. When babies are between the ages of 3 and 6 months 25% of fathers will struggle with depression.

Paternal postpartum depression is still largely unspoken about. It may be hard for fathers or their partners to recognize what is happening during this time period.

The number one predictor of whether a father will develop a perinatal mood disorder is if the birthing partner has a perinatal mood disorder. If you are a mother experiencing postpartum depression or anxiety your partner is 2.5 times more likely to develop a perinatal mood disorder themselves.

Symptoms of depression in fathers can look like:

• Frustration or irritability
• Getting stressed easily
• Feeling discouraged
• Increases in complaints about physical problems such as headaches, digestion problems or pain
• Problems with concentration
• Fatigue
• Lack of motivation
• Loss of interest in work, hobbies, and sex
• Isolation from family and friends
• Working constantly
• Increased anger and conflict with others
• Increased use of alcohol or other drugs
• Misuse of prescription medication
• Violent behavior
• Impulsiveness and taking risks, such as reckless driving and extramarital sex
• Thoughts of suicide

The good news is that perinatal mood disorders are treatable in men just as they are in women. If you suspect that you or your partner is experiencing paternal postpartum depression there are steps you can take.

• Seek Therapy- Our mission at Flourish Counseling & Wellness is to provide counseling, advocacy and resources focused on perinatal mental health from fertility to pregnancy, through postpartum and parenthood. For Dads as well as Moms!
• Prioritize Sleep
• Give Dad a Chance- Allow Dad to spend as much alone time with the baby as possible, as early as on as possible. This is also known as avoiding “maternal gatekeeping” and can help both Mom and Dad with their PPD symptoms.
• Promote Social Support for Dad- Expand Dad’s emotional support circle. Men are socialized to lean on their partner as their main and sometimes only emotional support. Normalize Dad expressing emotions with family, friends, and their peer group in addition to their spouse.
• Eat a well balanced diet.
• Communicate Proactively- Practice speaking about emotions within the partnership proactively vs reactively. Establish a weekly meeting within the couple to discuss how each person is doing emotionally.
• Sober Up- Reduce or cease alcohol consumption and drug use.
• Express Yourselves- Practice expressing emotions other than frustration and anger.
• Practice Gratitude-Try reflecting on one or two things you are grateful for when you wake up or before bed.
• Talk about It- If you are struggling with Paternal PPD you are not alone. As many as one in four fathers struggle with a perinatal mood disorder during their partner’s pregnancy or the first year of their child’s birth.
• Chat with an Expert- Postpartum Support International offers Monday Chats for Men (Dr. Dan Singley). On the first Monday evening of the month, PSI has an informational phone forum for dads, facilitated by an expert in perinatal mood and anxiety disorders and recovery. Participation is free. https://www.postpartum.net/get-help/chat-with-an-expert-for-dads/

Want to learn more about Paternal Postpartum Depression? Here are some helpful podcasts and videos to check out!

Dudes to Dads

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u5e1Tqaxxo8

Anxiety & Depression, Men’s Perinatal Issues – Interview Dr. Daniel Singley – Ep 22 [AUDIO ONLY]

Alan and Jason sit down with Dr. Daniel Singley, a counseling psychologist conducting research, practice, and training regarding men’s issues with an emphasis on men’s peripartum mental health and the transition to fatherhood.

Primary Care Perspectives Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia

https://soundcloud.com/childrensphila/primary-care-perspectives-episode-108-postpartum-depression-in-dads-and-partners

David Levine, MD, pediatrician and board member, at Postpartum Support International, discusses perinatal mood and anxiety disorders(PMADs) in dads, partners, and adoptive parents. Including his own experience with Paternal PPD.