Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders Affect Both Women and Men
By Kala Gattuso, APSW
The perinatal period is the time from conception through the first year of giving birth. This time is a transitionary period for moms, dads, children, and their families. Most people associate postpartum depression with only females, however, the perinatal period along with life changes affects males, too.
According to UnityHealth 2023, “A lot of people try to simplify postpartum depression as just the drop in hormones that women experience. If that were the case, we wouldn’t see depression in other people besides the actual person who physically gave birth. With male postpartum depression, research suggests there’s a hormone change in men in the form of changes to testosterone levels when baby is born. With PPD in general, hormones do play a role, but it’s about a lot more including psychological and social aspects as well.”
Male postpartum depression is also sometimes called Paternal Postnatal Depression (PPND). There unfortunately continues to be a negative stigma surrounding males’ mental health issues (including PPND) as seeking help can lead to feelings of guilt, shame, embarrassment, and even a sense of diminished masculinity.
Paternal depression has been associated with increased negative parenting (lower flexibility and tolerance levels, etc.) and decreased parent/child connection, which can have long-term results on the child and their mental health.
Men tend to show more anger and risk-taking behaviors with post-partum depression while women tend to display crying, hopelessness, loss of interest in activities, and guilt.
Other male postpartum depression signs include detachment from the family, increase in stress levels, irritability, and somatic symptoms including headaches/stomach aches.
Some Risk Factors for Male Postpartum Depression Include:
Lack of sleep and/or interrupted sleep patterns
A history of mental illness
A strained relationship with the spouse
Concerns or high expectations about becoming a father
Financial concerns
Fears about the changing dynamics within the family structure
Etc.
How to Help
It can be crucial for dads to spend time with their new babies as much as moms. Paternity leave isn’t typically as common as maternity leave, however, bonding and connecting with your baby is crucial. Talk to your employer about taking FMLA or paid time off to have time to make early connections.
Ask questions!
If you see your spouse/friend/family member with postpartum depressive symptoms, ask questions! Inquire how they are doing and how you can support them.
If you are experiencing postpartum depressive symptoms, you can always bring these up at child wellness visits or your primary physician, for support, testing, and treatment options.
Surround yourself with supportive people/objects/animals, so you don’t have to feel these emotions alone!
Additional options include therapy, mindfulness practices, body work (such as yoga, massage, and acupuncture) as well as medication management if needed.
There are resources below for information about male postpartum depression if seeking a professional doesn’t feel comfortable at this time.
Bringing a new baby into the world is a tough but exciting new chapter, if you are experiencing male postpartum depressive symptoms, please know that you ARE NOT ALONE. Around 1 in 10 men experience this, and you don’t have to suffer in silence!
Please feel free to reach out to me/Empowerment Within, LLC with questions or resources, or to set up an appointment!
References