Babies Might Give Daddies Postpartum Depression

If you thought depressiondefine after delivery was a female phenomenon, you need a rethink; studies show more than 10% men suffer from postpartum depression, in some form or the other. Read on to find out more on “what’s”, “why’s” and “how’s” of the condition, affecting new fathers today.

Postpartum depressiondefine is generally seen in women after they give birth to a baby, however, a growing number of researches on this subject are showing many men also suffer from postnatal depression.

A fact that might raise many eyebrows is that, where on one hand around 14% women suffer depression after child birth around a comparable, if not more, 10% of men also face the problem once a baby enters their lives.

What is postpartum depression?

The term refers to a number of psychological, as well as emotional changes, occurring right after the baby is born.

The sudden “what next” feeling, after the big event, leaves a vacuum in the lives of men, who until now were full of anxiety, anticipation, joy and thrill. This vacuum is then translated into a feeling of low state of mind, aloofness, anger and depression which might manifest into heavy drinking, obsessive behaviors, over possessiveness and at times impatient, violent behavior too.

This depressive state might arise within a few days of delivery and could continue for years together if left untreated.

Why do men get postpartum depression?

Where women face depression mainly due to hormonal changes after birth, men might face a similar situation due to the following factors –

• Babies mean a big lifestyle change involving a structural change in the family too.
• The time and attention of the partners is divided, which might offend the new dad.
• Men worry about the financial aspect of bringing up children too.
• They might feel neglected emotionally as well as sexually.
• Babies not only disturb sleep patterns but, a new baby also upsets daytime routine which might cause frustration to set in, in some men.
• They might not be prepared to share the responsibilities of the baby with their partner.
• Living upto the expectations of being a good father, scare many men away.

How to overcome this problem?

A woman is the first one to notice signs of change in her man, after the baby is born or the possibility of it happening in the near future. The best cure is to avoid the situation from arising in the first place –

• Prepare each other for the big change your life.
• Plan your finances in advance.
• Discuss a little on responsibility and chore sharing.
• Get your man to speak to a few couples with kids, to understand fully the implications of having a baby.
• Understand that sexual patterns are bound to change, for atleast a year after the baby comes.

Once the baby comes, the feeling of depression might generate negative behavior from the new dad. He might not like to help, might not play with the baby and might also take out his anger on the baby and the mother. Under such circumstances –

• Intervention / suggestions from relatives, parents and friends can be seeked.
• The new dad should be made a part of the child care routine, allowing scope for interaction with the baby.
• House helps or nannies are another option to be considered initially, to give some time to the couple together.
• He can also join a support group of new dads, where sharing experiences might help him feel better.
• In case of extreme behavior, professional help should be seeked from your psychologist.

It is important that this problem be addressed and given equal importance as postnatal depression in women, for the issue in question is the emotional and psychological wellbeing of new fathers, which is not just important for them but, also for the whole family, most importantly the babies. As emotionally healthy parents raise emotionally healthy babies.