What is male postpartum depression

Why do men suffer from postpartum depression? What to look for in postpartum depression? What can postpartum depression feel like? Is postpartum depression a distinct diagnosis?

Mothers are not the only ones at risk of depression when the baby arrives.

Postpartum depression strikes a lot of dads as well. Male postpartum depression is also more likely in men who have other health problems or are unemployed. Men are at risk if the couple experience lots of conflict or have separated. An unexpected pregnancy or disappointment in the baby’s gender can be factors. However, the research that does exist shows that anywhere between and percent of fathers experience postpartum depression.

In fact, male postpartum depression has been positively correlated with maternal postpartum depression : There is a stronger likelihood of postpartum depression in men if the women experience postpartum depression. It’s usually a combination of social issues, like feeling isolated and overwhelme and changes in hormones—that’s right, men go through hormonal changes after pregnancy too and experience lowered levels of testosterone. In reality, men are susceptible to postpartum mood disorders after the birth of their child.

Though men may experience some of the “traditional” symptoms of depression (like fatigue and changes in sleep or appetite ), they often (but not always) exhibit less sadness, crying, and outward emotional symptoms. Maternal depression was identified as the strongest predictor of paternal depression during the postpartum period. While the research confirms that male PPPD is real , the majority of men don’t know about it. The real challenge is two-fold: making men aware and helping them get help. Men and women can experience depression very differently.

Here are some symptoms that are common in men: Increased anger and conflict with others. Frustration or irritability. PPND (Paternal Postnatal Depression) is common condition among men after the birth of a child. Depression, anxiety or other problems with mood can occur anytime during the first year of your child’s life. If you think you might have PPN please carefully read this page and complete the assessment below.

Without effective treatment, it can result in damaging, long-term consequences for a man, his chil and his entire family. But with proper treatment and support, men can fully recover from PPND. However, male postpartum depression isn’t as widely discussed or researched as postpartum depression in women. Whether you are male or female, the changes that come with bringing a baby into the world can be tough, and the life transition can be challenging.

While men can have postpartum depression , it is a rarer occurrence than postpartum depression in women. It can present itself in several ways and most often it appears to affect younger men in their 20’s, though it can develop at any age.

The World Health Organization (WHO) states that at least of men show signs of this disorder after the birth of their child. Therefore, when a woman is experiencing postpartum depression it is imperative that her partner be assessed. Feelings of worthlessness. Loss of interest in sex or activities that used to bring them joy. Engagement in risky behaviors like abusing alcohol or drugs, gambling, or extramarital affairs.

But there’s a giant man-sized hole in the understanding of PPD. Onset is typically between one week and one month following childbirth. PPD can also negatively affect the newborn child.

Learn the basics of postpartum depression.