Guilt Free Mind
  • Home
  • About Author
  • Anxiety
  • Relationships
  • Depression

Subscribe for Updates

Get the latest updates and mental health tips from Guilt Free Mind.

Facebook Twitter Instagram
Guilt Free Mind
  • Home
  • About Author
  • Get In Touch
  • The Happy Puppers
Facebook Instagram Pinterest YouTube
Guilt Free Mind
Home » Postpartum depression for men
Postpartum depression in men
Postpartum depression in men

Postpartum depression for men

Dr. Shruti BhattacharyaBy Dr. Shruti BhattacharyaSeptember 27, 2021Updated:April 15, 20222 Comments7 Mins Read Depression
Share
Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest WhatsApp Email Telegram

Yes, you read that right. Postpartum depression for men is a real thing. But in depression does not only affect new mothers, it affects new fathers as well. In this blog post, I will discuss postpartum depression for men and how to deal with it.

If you would like to have regular mental health tips delivered to your inbox, please subscribe to the blog.

Postpartum depression for men
Pin the article for later

Table of Contents

  • What is postpartum depression?
  • Postpartum depression for men
  • Symptoms of postpartum depression for men
    • Symptoms of postpartum depression for men
    • Risk factors that contribute to postpartum depression in males
    • Diagnosis of postpartum depression for men
    • Treatment of postpartum depression for men
      • Self-help techniques for men suffering from postpartum depression
  • Conclusion

What is postpartum depression?

Postpartum depression is described as an episode in the spectrum of major depressive disorder (MDD). This occurs in the father once the child is born. Most often, postpartum depression is reported in the case of mothers, but it can also affect fathers.

Postpartum depression for men

So far there are no established criteria for the diagnosis of postpartum depression in males. The unfortunate part of this is that there is not a lot of awareness regarding postpartum depression for men because it has not been as commonly observed as postpartum depression in women. Most often, this condition goes undiagnosed and untreated.

According to surveys, around 25% of first-time fathers suffer from postpartum depression. However, only 10% of postpartum depression in males gets recorded. In the case of men, this condition is referred to as parental postnatal depression (PPND) or parental postpartum depression (PPPD).

If you are worried that you or your loved one might be suffering from parental postpartum depression, this blog post is for you. Read on all the way till the end to know the symptoms and treatment options available for postpartum depression in males. Your knowledge might help make someone’s mental health better.

Symptoms of postpartum depression for men

The first step in understanding postpartum depression for men is to understand the symptoms of the problem. It is imperative that you understand the difference between the symptoms of postpartum depression in males and daddy blues.

Daddy blues is a very common occurrence amongst new fathers. It is understandable that new fathers will feel overwhelmed, stressed or tired. However, the symptoms of daddy blues tend to go away within a period of a few days once the new dad is able to make time for himself, visit friends, or indulge in some exercise.

However, postpartum depression in males is much more severe and lasts for a very long duration. This problem does not go away by a change of scenery or meeting friends.

Symptoms of postpartum depression for men

Here are a few common symptoms of postpartum depression in males:

  • Social withdrawal
  • Focusing more on work or other sorts of distractions
  • Low energy levels
  • Constant tiredness and fatigue
  • Substance abuse and alcoholism
  • Changes in weight, appetite as well as sleep
  • Constantly feeling unmotivated
  • Stomach aches and headaches
  • Easily getting frustrated or stressed
  • Aggressive or violent behavior
  • Risky and impulsive behavior
  • Irritability and short-tempered
The symptoms of postpartum depression for men can start at any point during the first year of the child.

Postpartum depression for men
Postpartum depression for men

Risk factors that contribute to postpartum depression in males

As it happens in the case of depression, men suffering from postpartum depression do not understand when or how it developed. Just like postpartum depression in women, there are a ton of risk factors that contribute to postpartum depression in the case of new fathers.

Risk factors that contribute to postpartum depression for men include

  • Hormonal changes
  • High-stress lifestyle including family and career
  • A tense relationship with the spouse
  • Poor relationship with the in-laws
  • A continuous lack of sleep
  • Lack of support from his parents
  • Financial stress
  • Being a part of a non-standard type of family for example stepfathers or unmarried men
  • A history of depression
  • Feeling left out from the bond between the child and the mother

However, the biggest risk factor which contributes to postpartum depression in men is the mother suffering from postpartum depression. It has been observed that 50% of men who have their spouse battling postpartum depression will start to feel depressed as well.

Diagnosis of postpartum depression for men

Even though society encourages men to discuss their feelings, Men still have a difficult time discussing their problems. Difficulty to discuss the symptoms of postpartum depression for men especially arises if the mother is also suffering from postpartum depression.

In such cases, men hide their feelings to reduce the stress on their better half. A lot of men also feel confused and ashamed due to their postpartum depression symptoms. Thus they feel reluctant to get medical help.

It is hard to diagnose postpartum depression for men. However, achieving a diagnosis and getting help is very critical for the relationship between the partners as well as for the future of the child.

Related posts:

Art therapy for depression: Myth or Truth?

How to cope with depression naturally?

Pin it!
 
Postpartum depression in males
Pin this article for later

Treatment of postpartum depression for men

The first step to solving a problem is acknowledging that there is one. A lot of men who suffer from postpartum depression will not actively seek help. Asking for help is the first step in reaching towards better mental health. Men should understand that the way they are feeling after the birth of the child is not normal. The birth of a child leads to a huge lifestyle change And can bring along a lot of emotional changes as well.

Just as in the case of women, men suffering from postpartum depression are prescribed medications like antidepressants. Alternate therapy like counseling, support groups, etc is also available for exploration.

There are a lot of postpartum depression support groups available which specifically cater to men. These groups are a great way to discuss one’s experiences and talk about their worries and concerns and feel understood by others who are also in the same predicament. Alternatively, you can go for postpartum support groups for couples or family-oriented support groups to learn relationship and coping skills

Related post:

20 Amazing self-care journal ideas for a happier and healthier lifetime

Self-help techniques for men suffering from postpartum depression

Self-help techniques not only help people suffering from postpartum depression, but it also helps in battling general anxiety, stress as well as depression:

A few examples of self-love activities include

  • Eating healthy
  • Getting adequate sleep
  • Journalling
  • Engaging in yoga
  • Meditating
  • Exercising every day

Related posts:

Dream journaling in art therapy; looking beyond the mirror

Art therapy for stress reduction and management

Conclusion

Postpartum depression can affect both men and women. The important thing to keep in mind is that men should be open about their feelings and communicate with your partner. In case there is a problem, it can be nipped at the bud in the initial stages itself.

Postpartum depression for men is a serious condition and should not be taken lightly. The good thing about this is that it is treatable. Along with professional help, you can go the extra mile by doing self-care activities. This will help you recover faster and secure the future of your mental health.

Some other articles you might be interested in:

18 signs you are in a toxic relationship and what to do
How to leave a toxic relationship in 13 steps and be free
15 signs of anxiety disorder you must know about

See you in my next blog post
Shruti

Previous ArticleLeave a toxic relationship: 13 steps
Next Article How to let go of resentment?
Dr. Shruti Bhattacharya

Related Posts

11 signs of depression

October 9, 2022 Depression By Dr. Shruti BhattacharyaUpdated:October 9, 20222

ADHD and depression: the link

August 27, 2022 ADHD By Dr. Shruti BhattacharyaUpdated:August 27, 20220

Histrionic personality disorder: a complete guide

May 24, 2022 Anxiety Disorders By Dr. Shruti BhattacharyaUpdated:August 6, 20221

2 Comments

  1. Hairstyles VIP on May 12, 2022 8:20 am

    Simply wish to say your article is as amazing. The clearness in your post is simply cool and i could assume you’re an expert on this subject. Well with your permission let me to grab your feed to keep up to date with forthcoming post. Thanks a million and please keep up the enjoyable work.

    Reply
    • Dr. Shruti Bhattacharya on May 12, 2022 8:27 am

      Thank you for your appreciation. You can subscribe to the blog via the the subscription form in the sidebar. This way, I can send you notifications about the release of the new blog posts

      Reply

Leave A Reply Cancel Reply

Contact Author

    Popular Posts
    Art Therapy

    What is art therapy? An in-depth review

    By Dr. Shruti BhattacharyaSeptember 22, 2020 Art Therapy Updated:April 16, 20229 Mins Read

    What is art therapy and how can it be of benefit to you? As you…

    Art therapy for depression: Myth or Truth?

    December 1, 2020

    Art therapy for stress reduction and management

    January 27, 2021

    Dream journaling in art therapy

    February 1, 2021
    Latest Posts

    100 morning affirmations for a positive life

    March 18, 2023

    Dissociative Identity Disorder: a complete guide

    March 11, 2023

    Dissociative disorders: a complete guide.

    March 5, 2023

    Schizoid personality: understanding the presentation

    February 26, 2023

    Subscribe for Updates

    Get the latest updates and mental health tips from Guilt Free Mind.

    Stay In Touch
    • Facebook
    • Pinterest
    • Instagram
    • YouTube
    • LinkedIn

    DISCLAIMER

    The content of Guilt Free Mind is only meant for educational and information purposes. Guilt Free Mind is not to be used as a substitute for any kind of professional diagnosis, treatment and advice.
    Facebook Instagram Youtube Pinterest

    IMPORTANT LINKS

    • Homepage
    • Privacy Policy
    • TERMS AND CONDITIONS
    • DISCLAIMER
    • About Author
    • Get In Touch
    Menu
    • Homepage
    • Privacy Policy
    • TERMS AND CONDITIONS
    • DISCLAIMER
    • About Author
    • Get In Touch

    BUY ME A COFFEE

    Click Here

    ©2022 Guilt Free Mind. All Rights Reserved. Developed by Digital Search Technologies

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.

    Go to mobile version