Postpartum depression: Symptoms of depression in men
All about postpartum depression in men
Postpartum depression is real for both men and women. Generally experienced by mothers, men are equally prone to feeling stressed after the birth of the baby.
They may not feel the pain of childbirth or may not need time to recover from physical pain post-delivery, but they do experience the turmoil of emotions. The new challenges, additional responsibility, sleepless nights all can take a serious toll on the father's mental health. Just like women, men also experience changes in the hormonal level after bringing the baby home, which may make it hard for them to adjust to the new life.
Symptoms of postpartum depression in men
Adjusting
to the role of parenthood isn't a simple task. Looking after the baby's
needs and scheduling your task as per their schedule can be quite
overwhelming. Feeling tired and stressed are common after childbirth,
but if these signs linger for longer than normal then you should not
take them lightly. The symptoms of postpartum depression vary from
person to person. Here are some common signs that are normally
witnessed.
Change in appetite
Weight loss
Sleeplessness
Unexplained aches or pains
Extreme exhaustion
Loss of interest
Feeling sad or hopeless
Feeling worthless or guilty
Excessive worrying
Sudden mood swing
Who are more prone to develop these symptoms
All
men are equally at risk of developing symptoms of postpartum
depression, but many are left undiagnosed due to negligence. Data
suggests that about 8 per cent of fathers experience paternal
depression. Several factors can contribute to the development or
worsening of postpartum depression, including:
History of depression
Family history of depression
Worrying about taking over the role of fatherhood
Financial problems
Lack of social or emotional support
Stress in relationship with family or spouse
Missing attention or sex from your partner
Stressful birthing experience
Diagnosing depression
Symptoms
of postpartum depression in women are easily diagnosed, but it often
goes unreported in the case of men. The stigma related to men and mental
health issues is another reason why new fathers do not come out when
they experience persistent symptoms of depression. The diagnostic
process may include clinical questioning. The professional will first
look for physical symptoms and rule the possibility of any before
confirming the symptoms of depression.
Treatment
If you feel that you are having trouble adjusting to the new life, it is best to consult a professional. Depression is a serious mental condition that does not go on its own. It is essential to take an expert's help at the right time to recover from it. Prolonged and untreated depression can lead to severe side effects later in life. Depending on your situation and the severity of your condition, your therapist may prescribe you medication, therapy, or a combination of both.