The conception that postpartum depression only affects mothers is gone now. A recent study shows that fathers, too come under postpartum depression. Some studies have shown that one in ten fathers struggle with postpartum depression and anxiety as well.
The study shows that the symptoms that fathers come across are slowly becoming more recognized, diagnosed, and treated, The new study published in American Journal of Men’s Health suggests that PPD also affects men. A team of Danish investigators led by researcher Sarah Pedersen of the Department of Public Health, Aarhus University, interviewed eight fathers with PPD and found their primary experiences involved feelings of being overwhelmed and powerless or inadequate, which sometimes turned into anger and frustration,
CAN SET IN ANY TIME
As like women, men can also experience depression at any time, may be before a baby is born. Women normally show symptoms of postpartum depression within four to 31 weeks after delivery, but signs can appear as late as three months after birth.
WHAT FACTORS PLAY ROLE IN DADS?
Hormones: Research has shown that fathers experience hormonal changes during arid after their partner’s pregnancy, particularly declines in testosterone. Partner’s depression: Up to half of men with depressed partners show signs of depression
Feeling disconnected from mom and baby; Dads often feel as if they are on the outside. Moms may not always realize they are excluding dad from caring for the baby or they may be so caught up in bonding with the baby. They fail to recognise that dad wants time with the little one, too.
Personal or family history of depression: Any history of depression or other mental illness raises the risk of prenatal or postpartum depression.
Psychological adjustment to parenthood: Becoming a parent requires significant coping skills. This can be overwhelming for moms and dads.
Sleep deprivation; Most parents underestimate the role a lack of sleep can play in developing symptoms of anxiety and depression. They also often underestimate just how sleep deprived they are.
Other factors such as having a colicky or premature baby, financial stress, relationship problems, recent loss or trauma, and lack of social support for parenting could also lead to PPD.
WATCH FOR SIGNS
Prenatal and postpartum depression can look different in men than it does in women. Men may experience gone traditional symptoms – fatigue and changes in sleep or appetite – but they often exhibit fewer outwardly emotional expressions, such as crying.
Common symptoms for paternal prenatal or postpartum depression include:
Ånger, sudden outbursts, or violent behavior Increase in impulsive or risk-taking behavior, including turning to substances such as alcohol or prescription drugs Irritability Low motivation Physical symptoms such as headaches, muscle aches, stomach, or digestion issues Poor concentration Suicidal thoughts Withdrawing from relationships Working a lot more or a lot less.
Anxiety is also common in men during and after pregnancy. A 2021 study showed that I in 10 men experience prenatal and postpartum anxiety. In the general population, approximately 14.3 percent of men have anxiety – approximately 9 per cent less than women.
ANXIETY CAN CAUSE: Persistent, excessive worry about life in general Nervousness or a sense of impending doom Trouble concentrating Panic attacks Symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder.
