Major Depressive Disorder (MMD) as its other wisely known, Postpartum Depression (PPD) is a symptom mainly reported in women shortly after childbirth. However, PPD affects fathers as well and hits even harder in their case. Postpartum Depression has no established criteria but stands a chance of a long-term history of depression in men.
Research done by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) says that postpartum depression has become a normal phenomenal in men. About 25% of them experience depression during their partners’ pregnancy and within the first year after delivery. This figure may however rise to 50% in the near future.
Young fathers are also said to have an easy chance with depression due to financial constraints coupled up with numerous hiccups experienced in an almost new relationship. Paternal postpartum depression may not have a justified cause, but surely have factors that fuel it.
Risk Factors in Paternal Postpartum Depression:
- Having a personal or family history of depression
- Anxiety over being a parent and the pressure of getting it right
- Over researching on the paternal roles and getting overwhelmed while at it
- Unpreparedness and financial constrains
- Lack of emotional support
- Pressure from either your spouse or family
- Being sex or attention deprived by your partner
- Traumatizing birthing experience
- Sleep deprived and exhaustion
- Feeling left out from the mother baby bond
- Lack or a reliable role model
- Getting a rub on maternal depression
Signifying Paternal Postpartum depression may be a bit harder than maternal postpartum depression. While a woman undergoes serious outburst of emotions with occasional tears, men tend to bottle it in and unleash in bits. It takes a keen eye to notice the negative changes he executes.
Like they say, the devil is in the details, a little focus on him may help you pick symptoms such as:
- Self-distancing (always withdrawn from family and friends)
- Begins to either under or over feed
- Experiences insomnia and migraine
- Always overwhelmingly fatigued
- Having less or no interest on the before hobbies
- Gets easily irritated and frustrated
- Always angered and provoked by any little thing or issue
- Develops a violent behavior (gets very aggressive)
- Increased or introduction to alcohol intake as a form of solace
- Looking pale and hopeless
- Lack of concentration, and mostly absent-minded
- Having suicidal attempts or thoughts
- An abrupt weight loss or gain
- Becomes impulsive (like reckless driving or multiple affairs)
- Feels low and discouraged
- Loses erection during sex or completely loses interest in sex.
- Either become a workaholic or under performs
Paternal postpartum depression is not something to be overlooked; a father’s mood plays a major role in influencing his interaction with the family.
A depressed dad scolds more than he corrects and is less committed in his family’s activities. Study shows that children brought up by depressing dads are likely to develop temperamental disorder with violent behaviors. On the other hand, a depressed dad introduces conflict into his marriage. Paternal postpartum depression may not be viewed as an ailment and those developing depression psychoses may fail to either know or acknowledge their state, but it surely needs urgent attention which cannot be debated.
There are two known treatment options for postpartum depression gender notwithstanding. Either medication or therapy, both are stand-alone treatment options but mainly doctors advise on both for effective results. Normally it pays to have an open mind towards trying both before sticking to what best works for you.
Medication
The medical approach of postpartum depression relies on the intake of antidepressants which have a huge effect on the brain. They help alter the mood regulating chemicals in the brain and hence restoring stability. The antidepressants may not bring a positive impact instantly but will in the long run.
Antidepressants are not compatible with everyone, some experience serious fatigue, sex backlash and dizziness while on them. Be sure to let your doctor know of your experience right away. Also in cases where you have low estrogen, your doctor will recommend a reliable therapy like hormone therapy.
Therapy
In therapy treatment, a certified psychologist takes you through a therapeutic mental counseling and self-discovery. It is an emotional journey with several breakdowns, but very adequate. It helps put a meaning to your destructive thoughts, and hands solutions through them.
Despite your choice of treatment, practicing self-care is the determiner of the duration you take in your healing journey. Practicing self-care means knowing what you instinctively need and working towards achieving it. Be in cognizant of the fact that alcohol is one of the key depressants you are up against.
Have control of your physical health, eat well nutritional meals, and in the right portion. Include evening walks or exercises in your routine to boost your sleep regimen. Before settling on any supplement, run it by your doctor for affirmation.
Postpartum depression cannot only be treated but also avoided. Study reveals that paternal postpartum depression is mostly related to the spouse’s mental health and support during the transition to fatherhood. More assurance and encouragement from the spouse coupled with active discussions rubs positively on fathers. Mothers are therefore backbones to sinking or evading depression.
Asides that dads should:
- Walk the journey with their partners for less tension. This includes antenatal visits and educational classes. It helps put both of you at ease and psychologically prepared for parenthood. This will also help to lessen anxiety on your partner which will obviously rub well on you.
- Avoid societal pressure and expectations’, parenting is a new journey all the time, take it a step at a time.
- Be proactive during pregnancy and alert your doctor if you have any history with depression.
- Stay active and do not withdraw from your everyday activities instead strike a balance.
- Communication is key, speak up whenever you see or feel anything weird.
- Have a reliable support system aside your partner.
Knowing you are battling paternal postpartum depression and acknowledging it is a step towards the right direction. It also helps to know that you are neither alone nor is the first to experience it. It takes courage to admit but bravely to step out of isolation and get help. Do not allow your depression get to a hallucinating stage; find help when you still can.