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Q&A with Australian Health Practitioners
Can men also experience postnatal depression?
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Ever since we had our first child, I have noticed that my husband is not his usual self. We are going through many life changes by taking care of the baby (losing sleep, taking off time from work, etc). I am worried that he may be depressed. Can men also get postnatal depression? -
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Dr Melanie Strang
Counsellor
Having a new baby arrive is a massive transition for most families….often the challanges are not discussed or acknowledged.
Men do in fact get postnatal depression (pnd). The reported statistics are that 1 in 10 men are diagnosed with pnd yet the reality is probably higher.
The biggest risk factor is having a partner with pnd or a history of mental illness…but any dad can get it.
Please try to make a long appointment to discuss your husbands' symptoms with the GP.
Also make sure he is safe and there is no risk of suicide in his situation.
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Bruce Jenkins
Psychologist, Psychotherapist
ABOUT BRUCE Registered psychologist since 1991 Broadly Humanistic approach with special interest in Person Centred therapy Over sixteen years experience as a supervisor Taught Counselling … View Profile
The arrival of a new child - especially a first - may well be joyous and thrilling, but it is also one of the greatest upheavals to jolt a relationship. For many men, there are powerful feelings of protectiveness towards their partner and the infanct… and often confusion as they try to adjust to the ‘new world’ that has landed upon them. Changes of work patterns, sleep patterns, household routines, social contacts… Everything changes!
I've worked with quite a few ‘new dads’ of various ages (as an older ‘new dad’ myself, there IS an obvious interst!) and they have valued the space in the counselling environment to talk about the changes. It's something to consider.Recent (2015) studies have suggested that perhaps as many as 1 in 10 new fathers experience significant struggles that could be labelled post-natal depression.
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Brigitte Safrana
Counsellor, Hypnotherapist
I created Surfing The Blues and Surfing The Baby Blues Counselling & Hypnotherapy services in order to help individuals and couples restore balance in their … View Profile
Men can be affected in many ways by the birth of a child, particularly a first child. The same realizations that hit a new mum, such as ongoing responsibility, change of life and routines and the same questions affect a new dad: will I be a good parent? Will i be able to provide for my new family now and in the future? All those are questions and issues that can raise their heads.
Your legitimate and necessary change of focus from partner to baby could also be an issue, combined with sleep deprivation and the normal set of concerns that one has to deal with in the outside world could trigger a bout of depression particularly if there is a history or a precedent. To have him talk to a counsellor or a psychologist can help considerably. Or gathering his friends to have a chat could be an idea too.
But to answer your question: yes men do get affected by PND, far more than is otherwise stated and are often in denial that there is anything wrong.
Good luck to you both.Report this post
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Women's Health Queensland Wide provides free health information for Queensland women. View Profile
Some men may not be able to identify any of the risk factors in their lives yet still develop postnatal depression. Paternal postnatal depression can affect men of all ages, personality types and economic status. Some of the known risk factors associated with paternal postnatal depression Include:
Partner experiencing postnatal depression
Previous history of depression
Marital problems
Low self-esteem
Feelings of incompetence in parenting role
First time father
Infant irritability
You need to talk with your partner about the changes you have noticed in him. Men are often reluctant to talk about their feelings and unfortunately there seems to be a community belief that ‘only women’ experience postnatal depression. You could encourage your partner to speak with his GP and get a referral to a psychologist with experience in working with men in this situation. Just as in the case with women postnatal depression can interfere with the parent child bonding, so, I urge you and your partner seek help ASAP. Some reading around this topic may also help your partner. He may begin to understand that this is a ‘real’ issue and that other men have gone through what he is experiencing.
Brenda
Women’s Health EducatorHealth Information Line, Women’s Health Queensland Wide Women living in Queensland can also call our Health Information Line - a free information and referral service for Queensland women - on 3839 9988 or 1800 017 676 (toll free outside Brisbane). Please note that all health information provided by Women’s Health Queensland Wide is subject to this disclaimerReport this post
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