Postpartum depression in men: symptoms and treatment

  • Jul 26, 2021
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Postpartum depression in men: symptoms and treatment

We are used to hearing about postpartum depression in women and the emotional changes that they are may experience after giving birth, but did you know that men also suffer from this type of depression as well as woman? Yes, the World Health Organization indicates that around 10% of men who face fatherhood suffer from this condition after childbirth and that in this case is usually more silent, which can make it very difficult to diagnose and adequate treatment. It is important that the affected man has the support of his partner, his close environment and puts himself in his hands from a professional psychologist to be able to overcome this problem and to adapt to this new situation family. In this Psychology-Online article, we explain in detail what they are symptoms and treatment of postpartum depression in men.

According to the latest studies and research carried out, the postpartum depression in men exists and it has been noted that affects between 5 and 10% of fathers, especially it is observed in men who are going to be fathers for the first time in their life and in those who do not live with their children.

The symptoms of postpartum depression in men usually appear between the third and sixth month after the baby is born and despite the fact that There is also a significant hormonal factor such as the reduction of testosterone levels throughout the pregnancy of women, in men the Causes of this depressive state due to parenthood can be found in the factors mentioned below:

  • Fear or fear of failing as a parent: New parents may question whether or not they will play the role of parent well and if they will know how to educate their child well.
  • Fear of changes that being a father will mean in your daily routine.
  • Fear of losing freedom.
  • Financial concerns: The man may be overly distressed or worried about the increase in expenses or by the possibility of not knowing if he will be able to assume all the expenses that require the baby's care.
  • Those men who have a partner who suffers from Postpartum depression they are more likely to develop depressive symptoms as well.
  • Frequent arguments in the couple.
  • Stress caused by the few hours of sleep, the crying of the baby, the new family responsibilities, etc.
  • Lack of social and emotional support.

In addition to the above, in the case of men with paternal depression it is very common that don't express your fears or how you feel, either because they do not feel comfortable expressing their feelings or because they do not want to worry their partner, which makes the situation worse and depressive symptoms can worsen, further compromising your health emotional.

It is important to pay attention to this condition and start the appropriate treatment to improve the emotional well-being of the affected person, but also to ensure that the baby grows and develops in a healthy way, as it has been shown that any child who during their infancy you are exposed to parents diagnosed with depression, you will be more prone to behavioral, emotional and learning problems throughout the his life.

Postpartum Depression in Men: Symptoms and Treatment - Depression in New Parents: Causes

Postpartum depression in fathers manifests itself with symptoms that are very similar to those of women who suffer depression after giving birth, although some differences can be observed as we will see continuation. Both the physical and mental effort that fatherhood entails for a man can cause him to reach a situation of "emotional congestion" and present the following symptoms of postpartum depression:

  • Have a feeling of emptiness and sadness.
  • Feeling guilty about having this parenting depression.
  • Isolating yourself and separating yourself from people around you, such as your partner, family and friends.
  • Being irritable and angry for no apparent reason.
  • More violent and aggressive behavior.
  • Anxiety.
  • Trouble falling asleep and sleeping or sleeping excessively.
  • Loss of interest in activities or things that were previously rewarding.
  • Apathy.
  • Pessimistic attitude towards your future.
  • Excessive or constant worry for which no solution is sought.
  • Tiredness, fatigue and loss of energy.
  • General malaise.
  • Loss of sexual desire
  • Abuse of alcoholic beverages.
  • Frustration.
  • Obsessed with finances and family finances.
  • Significant weight loss or gain.
  • Trouble concentrating
  • Difficulties in making decisions.
  • Suicidal thoughts.
  • He works many more hours to avoid going home.

If you suffer from some of these symptoms and you think you might suffer from so-called paternal postpartum depression, it is important to detect it early and that you go to a specialist so you can express how you feel without feeling judged. Thus, you will be able to find a way to face your fatherhood without so many worries and make the most of the wonderful experience of being a father.

In the treatment of postpartum depression in men, there are a number of tips and tools that can help you cope better and overcome depressive symptoms successfully. Take note of the following recommendations:

  • Recognize what is happening to you: First of all, it is very important to accept emotions and recognize that parenthood is generating this depressive state for you that you don't really know how to cope with. If you recognize the problem and take it seriously, you can take the step of seeking professional help and initiating the appropriate treatment or therapy to overcome it.
  • Talk to your partner and seek support in your environment: the communication between the couple in this beautiful and special moment of their lives it is fundamental. You can comment on how you each feel, support each other to face fatherhood and motherhood in the best possible way and be able to overcome this situation together. Support from family and friends on a day-to-day basis can also go a long way toward fighting postpartum depression.
  • Get involved in caring for your baby: Spending time with your baby and being fully involved in all of his care will foster your bond and emotional connection with him.
  • Rest: It is also important that both the father and the mother find time to rest and get some sleep. You can take turns caring for the baby so that both of you can sleep soundly for a few hours and recharge.
  • Strengthen your relationship with your partner: Spending more time with your partner and sharing all the tasks related to the baby is also key to feeling better.
  • Seek professional help: if you feel that you are unable to overcome postpartum depression on your own and that the support of those closest to you is not Enough, it will be time to seek professional help and go to a psychologist to help you get out of this situation as quickly as possible. possible. In the following article, we explain in detail what the psychological treatment for depression.
Postpartum Depression in Men: Symptoms and Treatment - Treatment for Postpartum Depression in Men

This article is merely informative, in Psychology-Online we do not have the power to make a diagnosis or recommend a treatment. We invite you to go to a psychologist to treat your particular case.

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