Men at Risk of Postpartum Depression
Recognize and Manage Male Postnatal Anxiety and Mental Illness
Oct 8, 2008
According to a study first published in the August 2006 issue of the journal Pediatrics, about 14% of mothers and 10% of fathers suffer from moderate or severe postpartum depression. Lead researcher of the study entitled "Individual and Combined Effects of Postpartum in Mothers and Fathers on Parenting Behavior" Dr. James F. Paulson says that postpartum depression in fathers is strikingly high. “It is more than twice as common as in the general adult male population in the United States,” he adds.
Another researcher, Karina Bria, of the University of Adelaide, notes the high male postpartum depression rate in Australia as well. She further adds that men’s experiences of their transition to fatherhood have not been a major focus for research in Australia or elsewhere around the world despite five to 10% of men experiencing depression and other psychological distress.
"A lot of focus is on the mother and baby. Fathers are sort of left out of the picture. There isn't much support for men and I don't think our culture encourages men to speak out about what they might be feeling," she says in an interview broadcast on October 19th 2007 over The World Today, a program over Australia's ABC Local Radio.
Fortunately, it’s not all bad news for dads with postpartum depression. There are ways to beat the problem.
Be Prepared for Childbirth and Postpartum Depression
If new parents know what to expect, they are more likely to be able to manage problems that arise after the baby is born. Both partners should discuss their fears and expectations as well as consider the possibility of postpartum depression occurring in either or both partners. Read as much as possible about parenting, childbirth and postpartum care. Ask the doctor what to do if depression sets in.
Who are at Risk
Men at risk of postpartum depression include those who:
- Are born worriers
- Have suffered other forms of depression previously
- Have limited or no social support or are estranged from family
- Have a spouse suffering from postpartum depression
Signs and Symptoms
While mothers with postpartum depression often seem sad and moody, a depressed father is likely to be withdrawn, irritable, aggressive, constantly in conflict with others and sometimes violently hostile. Instead of feeling weepy and shedding tears as women often do, men bottle up or ignore their feelings. When asked about their changed behavior, they may get overly defensive and angry. Some may turn to alcohol and drugs to cope. Depressed fathers may also show no interest in or do not interact with their babies, which can affect the children’s cognitive and emotional health developments.
Getting Help
Men who suspect they suffer from postpartum depression should not keep it to themselves. Admitting there is a problem is the first step to managing it effectively. Next, get help from mental health professionals, family therapists, friends and family or the church. Look for men’s support groups in the neighborhood.
The local library and Internet too are packed with resources to battle male postpartum depression. Online support communities and websites such as DepressionTribe, Postpartummen and beyondblue are good sources to get help and counseling as well as build a network of friends with similar problems.
Wives who recognize the signs have an important role too. They should talk to their troubled husbands in gentle, understanding and loving ways. Let them know that there is no shame in admitting having the depression. Seek help as a couple. Therapy done together will reap better results.
Reference:
Karen Kleiman. The Postpartum Husband: Practical Solutions for Living with Postpartum. USA: Xlibris Corporation, 2001
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