Paternal Postpartum Depression
When we hear of postpartum depression, the immediate assumption is that it pertains to a woman struggling with depression following the birth of a child. In reality, fathers are also susceptible to postpartum depression, impacting about 10% of men during the early months following the baby’s birth, according to a meta-analysis published in JAMA.
By far the most significant predictor of paternal postpartum depression (PPPD) is maternal postpartum depression, which increases male postpartum depression rates to 24%-50%. PPPD tends to be most prevalent when the baby is between 3–6 months of age. The factors that contribute to PPPD include:
- The baby’s mother is experiencing postpartum depression
- Poor sleep quality
- A sick or colicky baby
- Relationship stress with the mother
- Lack of sexual intimacy with the spouse
- Financial pressures
- Feeling excluded from the mother and baby bonding process
- Reduced testosterone levels
- Personal history of depression
- Anxiety about becoming a father
Men exhibit depression symptoms differently than women. In men there is a tendency to be irritated and angry, versus emotional and teary. Symptoms of PPPD include:
- Anxiety
- Irritation
- Aggressiveness
- Anger
- Substance abuse
- Psychosomatic symptoms, such as headaches or stomach distress
- Behavioral addictions, such as gambling or video gaming
It is important to reduce the stigma around men who battle depression in order to break down barriers to treatment. Male postpartum depression can be treated successfully with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and/or antidepressant drug therapy. In addition, TMS therapy is effective in men who were not responsive to the antidepressants. Other holistic mental health treatments include getting regular exercise, avoiding processed or sugary foods and caffeine, and practicing relaxation activities like yoga, meditation, or massage therapy.
By Marissa Katrin Maldonado founder of Mental Health Hope an online resource that specializes in providing free information and treatment options including mental health retreat for mental health disorders.
