PATERNAL DEPRESSION

November 12, 2020 /

Written by Feba Maryann 

Postpartum Depression (PPD) is a condition that is mostly associated with mums. About one in nine mothers may experience postpartum depression. However, 1 in 10 dads also suffer from Postpartum Depression too. This condition is better known as Paternal Postpartum Depression and is mostly overlooked. 

What Is Paternal Postpartum Depression? 

In simple words, paternal postpartum depression is an episode of depression that new dads suffer soon after the birth of their baby. Studies show that dads are at a higher risk of being depressed between the first trimester and 6 months after childbirth. It could affect 2 to 25 percent of dads in the aforementioned period. 

What Causes Paternal Postpartum Depression? 

Pregnancy causes a rollercoaster of hormonal fluctuations in the mum’s body. However, researchers have also found that dads undergo hormonal changes after the birth of their child. Some may have difficulty coping up with these changes, which eventually develops into depression. In families where the mother suffers from PPD, dads are at a higher risk of suffering from the same condition.  

In dads with PPD, hormonal changes are often coupled with other factors like: 

  • Personal or family history of depression 
  • Financial problems 
  • Lack of emotional or social support 
  • A stressed relationship 
  • Sexual frustration 
  • Sleep deprivation 
  • Maternal Postpartum Depression  
  • Lack of a role model 

Experts speculate that hormonal changes could be an evolutionary trait to ensure that fathers develop a bond with the child and stay with the mom.  

What Are The Signs Of Paternal Postpartum Depression? 

Some of the common signs of paternal PPD are: 

  • Increased anger 
  • Increased use of alcohol or substance abuse 
  • Frustration  
  • Impulsiveness 
  • Crying for no apparent reason 
  • Weight gain or loss 
  • Change in appetite 
  • Loss of interest 
  • Suicidal thoughts 
  • Being cynical 
  • Being involved in extramarital affairs 
  • Stressing out 
  • Palpitations 

How Does Paternal Postpartum Depression Impact? 

The added responsibilities that come with parenthood could be a stressful experience to many dads. When this couples up with PPD, it could drastically affect the new dad’s mental and physical health.  

Impacts of paternal PPD include:  

  • Ending up being a bad role model to your child. 
  • Not developing a bond with your child 
  • Decreased sensitivity towards children 
  • Dads with PPD may not interact positively with the child 
  • Increased hostility towards children
  • A dad with PPD may spank children more than others 
  • Causing developmental delay in the child 
  • Causing Maternal Postpartum Depression 
  • Paternal PPD may also put the mother’s mental state at risk 
  • On the other hand, a nurturing father may reduce the negative impact of maternal PPD on the children. 
  • Increased conflicts in relationship 
  • Children who have a dad with PPD may  
  • Develop emotional or behavioural disorders  
  • Be more aggressive in nature 

How Is Paternal Depression Diagnosed? 

Since men tend be less expressive about their emotions and mental state, diagnosing PPD could be a difficult problem. There is no universally accepted method to diagnose Paternal depression. It is often diagnosed by collecting information from family or friends of the patient.  

Can PPD Be Prevented? 

Some effective methods to reduce the risks and symptoms of PPD are: 

Exercise Regularly

  • Benefits of exercising isn’t only limited to your physique  
  • Exercise tends to act as a stressbuster and mood lifter 
  • Starting off with a light workout or jog in the park would help you ease into the day. 

Healthy Diet 

  • Try to maintain a diet consisting of vegetables, fruits and lean meat. 
  • Avoid saturated fat, trans fat and refined sugar. 
  • Stay hydrated 

Get Good Sleep 

  • It might be difficult to get proper sleep when you have a baby but figure out ways to get at least 8 hours of sleep. 

Meditating And Yoga 

  • Both are great at reducing stress.

Express Your Feelings 

  • Talk to someone about how you feel. It could be anyone: your parents, a close friend, a spouse or someone else you look up to. 
  • Keep a journal

How Is Paternal Postpartum Depression Treated? 

PPD in men is understudied and largely goes undiagnosed, Hence, there is no set protocol to treat the condition. 

However, new studies show that psychotherapy methods such as Cognitive Behaviour Therapy and Interpersonal therapy have shown to alleviate depression.  

Role Of Toxic Masculinity And Societal Stigma In Promoting PPD 

Societal stigma dictates that a man should have no feelings and must be stoic. Men are not supposed to cry or be sensitive. The phrase “man up” itself is a manifestation of this stigma. 

This often forces men to keep their problems to themselves and rarely share their problems until one day they can no longer take it. It is high time to normalise men who share their feelings instead of shutting them off completely.  

Interventions such as paid paternity leaves should be made mandatory, and educational programs about mental health for men must also be incorporated into school curriculum.