Postpartum Depression in Men: Signs and Causes

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Science shows that men suffer from postpartum depression too. What are the signs and symptoms? What is the treatment required? Read on to know.Postpartum depression (PPD) is a mood disorder, that is associated with childbirth. It’s commonly misinterpreted as “baby blues,” a condition that mothers go through right after giving birth. But the two are different; Impact Guru reports that 15% of women in India, suffer from PPD every year in India. If not spotted and treated in time, it can lead to postpartum mood disorders (PPMDs) and postpartum psychosis. Contrary to popular misconception, PDD is not found in just women, but men too.

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Postpartum depression in men

Because childbirth is carried out by women, it is popularly believed that they alone, suffer from PDD. But science shows that men do too, although it’s more commonly found in women. A report by healthychildren states that postpartum depression in men is becoming common, and affects between 2% to 25% of men, during their partner’s pregnancy or after it.Post-pregnancy, the condition can prevail for 3-6 months in men. A report by parents.com mentions a report by the Journal of the American Medical Association. It states that 10% of the men worldwide showed signs of depression in the first trimester of their partner’s pregnancy to six months, post the birth of the child.The number spiked to 26% between 3-6 months after delivery. James F. Paulson, PhD at Old Dominion University, in Norfolk, Virginia, says, “That’s more than twice the rate of depression we usually see in men. The fact that so many expecting and new dads go through it makes it a significant public-health concern—one that physicians and mental-health providers have largely overlooked.”

What are the causes of postpartum depression?

Lack of sleep
History of the condition in the family
A father’s rocky relationship with the mother
A sick or premature baby
Financial problems
Stress at work
Loss of loved one during childhood or before his child’s birth
Wife suffering from postpartum depression

Signs and symptoms of the condition

A Dad may come across as:

Angry and picking up a fight
Drinking more than usual
Engaging in violent behaviour
Frustrated and irritable
Significant weight gain or loss
Isolated from friends and family
Getting stressed easily
Being reckless
Being cynical
Cribbing about things more than usual
Loss of interest in work, sex drive, usual hobbies
Feeling demotivated
Has trouble concentrating
Fatigued
Crying for no reason
Suicidal thoughts

What factors put men at risk for postpartum depression?

The father may…

Be worried about developing a bond with the baby
Not have a good male role model to look up to
Feel lack of proper social support from friends and family
Be jealous of the mother’s bond with the child
Feel an absence of rewards in parenting
Have low testosterone levels
Have a lack of intimate relationship with the mother

What happens if postpartum depression doesn’t get treated in time?

The father may be prone to hitting his child more
May be less likely to develop a healthy bond with the child
The father’s negative approach towards his kid may result in behavioural problems in the latter
Depressive symptoms in the father may result in developmental delays in his children
The father may suffer from a broken relationship with the mother

Treatment options for the condition

Therapy and counselling sessions can help a great deal. However, if you are looking for a longer-term, drug-free approach, Neurofeedback is worth exploring. To learn more, watch this video.Brain & Co. offers med-free treatment that could help you overcome some of the challenges that come with depression/anxiety/sleep issues/ADHD etc. Visit our website or give us a call to learn more.