For a long time,
both experts and the general public have focused on postpartum depression in mothers. They've gone into great detail
describing the struggles these women face after childbirth. But what about the
fathers?
Why is the focus
almost always on the mother's mental well-being, while the new father's
emotional state is often overlooked? The reality is, men can also become
depressed after their children are born.
Understanding Paternal Depression
When the topic of postpartum depression arises, the spotlight is typically on the mother.
However, research confirms that it's surprisingly common among fathers as well.
Studies have shown that it affects about 10% of all men. Some estimates suggest
this figure could be as high as 25% for new dads within the first year of their
child's life.
The symptoms are
very similar to those women experience, and they can include:
·
Sadness,
melancholy, and frustration 😔
·
Irritability
and a short temper
·
Instigating
arguments with those around them
·
Feeling
guilty about an inability to bond with the new baby or not providing enough love
·
Anxiety
about new responsibilities
·
Marital
conflict, constant fatigue, and sleep deprivation 😴
·
Confusion,
aggression, and violent outbursts
·
Headaches
and changes in appetite
·
Loss
of libido or interest in intimacy
·
Withdrawing
from their partner and family
·
Thoughts
of suicide, self-harm, or harming the infant
In
some cases, a small number of men might turn to coping mechanisms like alcohol,
drugs, or addictive behaviors such as gambling and video games.
The Role of Hormonal Changes 🧬
Hormonal imbalances
during pregnancy and the postpartum period are a primary cause of depression in
women. The same may hold true for men. A 2017 study observed a significant drop
in testosterone levels in new fathers.
This hormonal dip
coincided with the onset of depressive symptoms. However, this isn't the only
factor. Other causes can include:
·
Sleep deprivation
·
Financial
and social pressures 💵
·
Anxiety
and fear about the ability to properly care for the child
·
Feeling
marginalized or left out.
Mothers
often form an immediate bond with their newborns, whereas it can take fathers
up to two months to establish that same connection, making them feel excluded.
It has also been noted that 50% of men whose partners are diagnosed with
postpartum depression are likely to develop it as well.
Emotional Problems and Long-Term Impact 😟
Some men might
dismiss what they are feeling as a temporary funk that doesn't need treatment.
However, mental health professionals advise that if these symptoms persist for
more than two weeks, it is crucial to seek professional help. Scientific
research has established that a father's depression increases the likelihood of
his child developing psychological and behavioral disorders later in life.
A large study
involving 22,000 children revealed that a father's depression increases the
child's risk for emotional problems. A depressed father is often less
responsive to his child and may exhibit poor parenting behaviors, like neglect
or, conversely, hyper-vigilance, which can have lasting negative effects on a
child's development.
