Post partum depression has been getting more attention. This condition has generally been associated with mothers in the weeks and months after the baby is born. New medical evidence suggests this condition may not be confined to women. New fathers may suffer from post partum depression as well.
A study conducted at The Center for Pediatric Research at Eastern Virginia Medical School in Norfolk, Virginia suggests the problem may be even larger than initially thought. In this study, one in ten of the participants was found to have symptoms of severe post partum depression. Five thousand families participated in the study.
The symptoms of post partum depression in men are similar to those seen in women. These symptoms include general feelings of sadness, inability to enjoy the baby or other activities previously enjoyed, changes in eating or sleeping habits and difficulty bonding with the baby.
Some studies have shown a drop in testosterone levels may play a role in male post partum depression. Additional factors may increase the severity of the depression, including financial worries, a family or personal history of depression, and problems with the baby or birth. If the mother is suffering from post partum depression, there is an increased risk of the father suffering from it as well.
Since little is known about post partum depression in men, it is likely the condition is not being diagnosed in many men. After the baby is born, the man may think his feelings aren’t normal and not share them with his partner or a doctor. The result is that some of these men will pull away from their partners and families.
It’s important for men to get treatment if they are experiencing symptoms of depression after the baby arrives. With proper treatment, fathers can begin to feel better and enjoy life as a new family.
Related Articles:
Groups at Risk for Post Partum Depression