Postpartum Depression in Men is Not Uncommon

Welcoming a new baby into the home is a joyous experience - but one fraught with change and new responsibilities. Not surprisingly, these changes, along with rapid hormonal fluctuations, leads to postpartum depression in some women. According to an article on Medscape.com, 10 to 30% of new moms experience some degree of postpartum depression - but what about postpartum depression in men? How commonly do dads experience this phenomenon?

Postpartum Depression in Men: Being a New Dad is Challenging

According to a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, more than one in ten dads experience postpartum depression after the birth of a new child. This has received little media attention since the focus after a child is born is usually on mom and the new baby - not on dad.

But dad may be just as involved in caring for the new baby as mom is. He may be awakened by the baby's cries as easily as mom and still have to get up the next day to go to work. The challenges of parenthood are many for both moms and dads - and dads feel no less stress than new moms.

Men with postpartum depression have fewer support resources to turn to after a new baby is born. Mom is usually preoccupied with caring for the baby, and a depressed dad may not feel comfortable talking about his symptoms. Men are also less inclined than women to seek professional help if they're experienced symptoms of depression. They may see it as a sign of weakness and feel ashamed that they're depressed at a time in their life when they should be happy.

Postnatal Depression in Men: Who Gets It?

Postpartum depression in men occurs most commonly among first-time dads and the risk is highest three to six months after a new birth. Dads are also more likely to be depressed when mom is dealing with postpartum depression. Is postpartum depression contagious or are dads more likely to be depressed when moms are because of common stressors such as new responsibilities and a lack of sleep? These are all questions that research needs to answer.

Depressed Dads: What Does This Mean?

There needs to be more focus on the needs of the new dad after a baby is born. Their rate of postpartum depression is surprisingly high, and if mom is experiencing it, the risk is even higher. Postpartum depression is more likely to be acknowledged in women, so they can get the help they need, while dads may have fewer resources to help them solve their problem. Postpartum is not unique to women.

References:

Medscape.com. "High Rate of Prenatal, Postpartum Depression Found in Fathers"