Postpartum Depression in Men - Types, Symptoms, Causes and Treatments

Postpartum depression (PPD) is described as a major depressive episode (MDE), and men often experience it after having children. Additionally, postpartum depression in men may manifest over a year with symptoms of irritability, restrained emotions, and depression and might require medical attention.

Postpartum depression is a type of depression that follows after the birth of a child. Men might not feel the physical anguish of childbirth or require physical healing, but having a new child also changes man's life. Hence, like mothers, fathers must take care of their mental health.

In this regard, male postpartum depression can result from several circumstances, including exhaustion and stress.

Postpartum mental health conditions related to postpartum depression include:

1. Postpartum Psychosis

Studies show that this postpartum mental health issue affects 1 to 2 persons out of every 1,000. In addition, postpartum psychosis typically starts earlier than postpartum depression, within the first two weeks following birth.

In postpartum psychosis, intense grief can be enhanced, and lucid moments are frequent. However, those moments are not always a sign of recovery. It is believed that postpartum psychosis frequently signifies bipolar disorder. Also, agitation, memory issues, irritability, increased sleeplessness, confusion, and anxiety may come before postpartum psychosis.

2. Postpartum Anxiety Disorders

Following childbirth, anxiety issues are frequent among men. It's also possible that your anxiety prevents you from taking care of yourself or your kid and makes it difficult for you to eat or sleep.

In addition, some people experience the fear of hurting their unborn child. In this regard, generalised anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and panic attacks are specific anxiety disorders that can develop or worsen after childbirth.

The following are typical signs of postpartum depression in fathers:

• Anger, irrational outbursts, or aggressive behaviour
• An increase in risk-taking or impulsive conduct, including turning to alcohol or other addictive substances
• Low motivation
• Irritability
• Physical signs such as backaches, headache, stomach-aches, or problems with digestion
• Inadequate focus
• Suicidal ideas
• Working more or less than usual
• Carelessness in relationships

Prenatal or postpartum depression in dads can result from several circumstances, such as:

• Hormones: Studies have revealed that hormonal changes, specifically a drop in testosterone, occur in dads both during and after their partner's pregnancy.
• Depression of Partner: Up to 50% of males with depressed spouses also exhibit depressive symptoms.
• Feeling Disconnected from the Baby and Partner: Dads want to be a part of the newborn experience, but they can frequently feel like they are on the "outside," feeling distant from mom and the baby. Sometimes mothers aren't even aware that they're keeping dad out of the baby's care. Otherwise, they can be so preoccupied with developing a bond with the infant that they fail to realise that the dad also wants to spend time with the child.
• Family History of Depression: Prenatal or postpartum depression is more likely to be evident if a person’s family has a history of depression or another mental disease.
• Parenting-Related Psychological Adjustment: Becoming a parent demands significant coping mechanisms, and parents may feel overwhelmed by this.
• Getting Less Sleep: Most new parents don't realise how vital sleep deprivation might be in the emergence of anxiety and depressive symptoms. Furthermore, individuals frequently underestimate how sleep-deprived they really are!

The risk factors of postpartum depression in men include –

• Insufficient social support.
• Financial insecurity.
• Aged men are more prone to be affected.
• Marital problems.

For diagnosis, you will probably fill out a depression screening form and discuss your symptoms, including their frequency and severity, with the physician. In order to look for medical anomalies that might be causing your symptoms, your doctor may also order blood testing.

Individuals should be aware that postpartum depression is natural in men and needs medical attention. In this regard, receiving good treatment can make a huge difference. So, if you're feeling anxious, depressed, unhappy, agitated, overwhelmed, or any combination thereof, talk to a medical professional.

Postpartum depression, if left untreated, can lead to marital and family issues. This can also impact the child's growth and development, but fortunately, it is curable. Men can receive the same types of treatment as women, including psychotherapy or medication like an antidepressant. However, the root of a man's depression can be the focus of treatment.

• Medications: Regardless, depending on your circumstances and the degree of your depression, you might be given a prescription for medication, therapy, or a mix of the two. SSRIs, or serotonin reuptake inhibitors, are often prescribed in these cases. But, men with postpartum depression may also be treated with antidepressants and other drugs.
• Therapy: Although solo or couple therapy can help reduce symptoms of postpartum depression, most men prefer cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) or interpersonal therapy (IPT), which are psychotherapies recognised to relieve symptoms.
• Support Groups: Regardless of the desired treatment method, men can overcome issues by attending support groups or educational sessions, particularly if their partner also has postpartum depression or doesn't have close friends, family, or neighbours to lean on. Also, doctors may consider father-tailored care models for the best results.

You could be reluctant or ashamed to acknowledge that you're depressed following your child's birth. However, make an appointment with your doctor if you exhibit any signs of postpartum depression.

Also, if any of the following characteristics are present among the symptoms and signs of depression, you should contact your doctor right away:

• Not abating after two weeks
• Are becoming worse
• Make it daunting for you to care for the baby
• Getting thoughts of self-harm or your baby
• Make it tough to perform quotidian tasks

Men who have postpartum depression may find it difficult to function normally or provide their partner and kid with the care they need. Medical professionals advise establishing healthy self-care routines, which can involve going to counselling or meditation, and the following:

• Eating nutritious food
• Keeping up good sleeping habits
• Discussing and expressing emotions
• Doing regular exercise

Also, asking for assistance can be challenging for males, particularly when their partner is undergoing a lot of changes and needs their support. Hence, it is essential for men not to ignore their mental health and contact a doctor if they need help. You can also join a support group for fathers to discuss various coping mechanisms.

Hence, postpartum depression in men is easily treatable but can linger misdiagnosed for months or years. So, consult your primary care physician or a mental health expert if you are a new father experiencing symptoms of depression.