By Adaobi Rhema Oguejiofor
The arrival of a new baby is supposed to be the happiest time in a parent’s life, but this is not always the case. The birth of a baby can start a variety of powerful emotions, ranging from excitement and joy to fear, anxiety and depression. To this end, medical research has revealed that 1 in 10 dads struggle with this health disorder, although the actual number may be higher due to underreporting.
Usually, whenever the term “postpartum depression” is mentioned, people’s minds go straight to new mothers. However, research by medical experts has shown that fathers can also experience significant emotional and psychological changes after the birth of a child. Male postpartum depression (PPD), although under-recognised, is real and often misunderstood. It can have lasting effects on both the father and the entire family.
Male postpartum depression, also known as paternal postnatal depression (PPND), simply refers to the depressive symptoms experienced by men during their partner’s pregnancy or within the first year after the child is born.
This condition is usually overlooked because cultural expectations often discourage men from speaking openly about emotional distress. Many fathers may feel they need to be strong for both their wives and themselves, or fear being viewed as weak. So, as a result of this, male PPD frequently goes undiagnosed and untreated.
Causes and Risk Factors
Several factors can contribute to male postpartum depression, including:
– Lack of sleep:
The exhaustion that comes with caring for a newborn has a high possibility of affecting a new father’s mental health.
– Changing identity:
Adjusting to a new role as a father can also trigger stress and self-doubt, leading to depression.
– Hormonal changes:
While not as pronounced as in women, men also experience hormonal fluctuations, including lower testosterone levels after their baby is born.
– Relationship stress:
Having a strained relationship with a spouse or tensions may arise due to changes in the couple’s dynamic, lack of intimacy, or financial strain.
– History of mental health issues:
Men with a history of depression or anxiety are at greater risk of this condition.
Symptoms
Unlike traditional depression, male PPD may come up differently. Instead of sadness or crying spells, men may exhibit anger, irritability, withdrawal, fatigue, or even engage in risky behaviours such as substance abuse or overworking.
Other symptoms are:
– Feeling disconnected from the baby or partner
– Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed
– Insomnia
– Feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness
Treatment
To effectively treat PPD, the patient must know that the condition is normal and can happen to anyone, so there is no shame in it. Also, male postpartum depression is treatable and can be handled in several ways, including talking to a mental health professional, therapy or counselling, support groups, lifestyle changes, and sometimes medications.
Another important treatment method is to foster open communication at home. Partners, family members, and healthcare providers should be aware of the signs of the condition and then create a safe space for fathers to express their feelings.
Bringing a child into the world is a transformative experience. It is a pool of experiences which can be beautiful, exhausting, and sometimes overwhelming.
Recognising that fathers can also face mental health challenges as a result of childbirth is crucial for the well-being of the entire family. When experiencing male postpartum depression, fathers require all the support without any form of judgment.