Can Men Suffer From Postpartum Depression?

Many people are familiar with postpartum depression in women but postpartum depression in men is hardly ever talked about. A new baby is a wonderful blessing but the demands of parenthood are very stressful and can be overwhelming to both parents. Mothers and fathers share many of the same stresses.

According to one of the few studies in the area of pate
al depression, in general, 14% of American men develop depression either during their partner’s pregnancy or during the first year postpartum. About 8% of fathers in other countries develop pate
al depression. The problem seems to heighten when babies are 3 to 6 months old. During this time, 25% of new fathers and 42% of mothers report depression. If a mother experiences postpartum depression, the father is at much greater risk of experiencing depression as well.

Sleep deprivation is a strong contributor to depression. Research shows that any healthy adult that goes without good sleep for a month, is at increased risk for experiencing depression. In addition, the hormonal changes that occur after childbirth can cause depression in both women and men. Women experience a sharp decline in progesterone and estrogen but men also experience a decline in testosterone.

Unfortunately, fathers experiencing depression are less likely to seek help then mothers. Mainly because, in general, men avoid treatment for mental health. Also men experiencing depression often have symptoms that are unique from women. Some of the symptoms of depression in men may include:

Increased anger and conflict with othersr
Increased use of alcohol or other drugsr
Frustration or irritabilityr
Violent behaviorr
Losing weight without tryingr
Isolation from family and friendsr
Being easily stressedr
Impulsiveness and taking risks, like reckless driving and extramarital sexr
Feeling discouragedr
Increases in complaints about physical problemsr
Ongoing physical symptoms, like headaches, digestion problems or painr
Problems with concentration and motivationr
Loss of interest in work, hobbies and sexr
Working constantlyr
Frustration or irritabilityr
Misuse of prescription medicationr
Increased conce
s about productivity and functioning at school or workr
Fatigue
Experiencing conflict between how you think you should be as a man and how you actually arer
Thoughts of suicide

Some men may only experience a few symptoms and others may experience many. What ever the case, it is important to know that the symptoms are treatable and help is available.