Male Postpartum Depression

This is one of my favorite topics because usually the feelings and mental health of dads goes unnoticed when it comes to parenting and entering parenthood for the 1st time.

First time fathers are excited knowing that their first child will be entering the world, but they also experience the feelings of anxiety, fear and overwhelm.

Postpartum depression and baby blues also affect fathers. Even though their oxytocin levels increase, their testosterone levels decrease. Postpartum depression in fathers can impact their relationship with their partners, interfere with their work and increase the chances of suicide. Some common symptoms of male postpartum depression include:

• Mood swings

• Irritability

• Stress and anxiety

• Shift in identity

• Lack of motivation

• Impulse behavior

• Self-isolation

• Increased anger

• Trouble concentrating

• Fatigue and oversleeping

• Thoughts of self-harm and/or suicide

Because of this, it’s important to make sure that you plan for postpartum, create a support network and practice self-care tips. Creating a support network looks like…

• Making budget plans for finances

• Putting together a support network of family and friends to reach out to when you’re in need of help

• If already experiencing problems with partner, seeking therapy before the birth of the baby

• If already suffering from depression and/or anxiety, making sure you have a mental health provider in place and once baby is born making sure you’re keeping your eyes open for signs of depression

• Attending parent classes and childbirth education classes. This is a great way to learn new skills, meet other fathers and build community.

Some self-care tips include:

• Exercising

• Prioritizing rest and sleep

• Meditation and deep breathing

• Dedicating time for hobbies and interests

• Eat healthy and avoiding excessive caffeine and sugars

• Making time for social interactions with friends and family

  When you create a support network and practice self-care, you’re also building a successful relationship between you and your child. Your support network can help you understand your role as a father, provide advice and offer a feeling of trust and friendship in the first year of fatherhood. If you feel you are experiencing any challenges after the birth of your child, remember…

• an escalated adult cannot de-escalate an escalated child. If you feel you are becoming escalated, walk away, take deep breaths, splash water on your face and do what’s best to try to calm down.

• Try not to bring stress home. Try to talk to your partner, a friend or coworker to debrief before going home from work.

• Ask for help when you need it! Do not try to “thug it out”. Trying to be super dad will bring stress and your baby will benefit from you receiving help when its needed.

  It is not uncommon for fathers and partners to experience postpartum depression. There’s a 1 in 10 chance of having postpartum depression and it shows differently in dads. If you feel you are experiencing any of these symptoms and want to receive help, you can call or text “HELP” to the PSI helpline at 800-944-4773 or visit postpartum.net. You got this!