Postpartum mental health isn’t just a woman’s issue, it’s also a men’s issue. In fact, 10% of dads experience postpartum depression or “paternal postnatal depression” (PPND) [1] and approximately 18% experience postpartum anxiety [2]. These numbers are likely underestimates due to underreporting, lack of screening, stigma, and misinformation. For instance, our survey found that 82% of partners were not screened for PPND.
Risk Factors
One thing that hasn’t been well studied is the risk factors that make more men susceptible to postpartum depression and anxiety. What is available suggests:
- lifestyle change and stress associated with parenthood
- lack of sleep
- a personal history with mental health challenges
- a poor spousal/partner relationship and/or changes in this relationship (e.g., lack of intimacy)
- a poor relationship with one’s family, especially with one’s parent(s)
- a poor relationship with in-law’s or partner’s family
- lack of social support
- financial hardship
- single parent
- poor social functioning
- feeling excluded and jealous of the mother-infant bond
- having a partner who is depressed [3]
Please note, that identifying with one or more of these risk factors does not mean that you will develop depression, anxiety, or any other mental health challenge. However, your risk may be increased.
Symptoms
Postpartum depression in men doesn’t always present in the same manner as it does in women. Symptoms may include:
- increased anger, conflict, frustration, and/or irritability
- violent behaviour
- increased alcohol and/or substance use
- unintentional weight loss or gain
- social isolation
- withdrawal from previously enjoyed activities
- impulsive and/or risky behaviour (e.g., extramarital relationships, speeding or reckless driving)
- physical complaints (e.g., headaches, pain, digestive issues, fatigue)
- lack of concentration and motivation
- concern around productivity
- restricted emotions
- suicidal ideation [4]
You may not experience all of these symptoms, nor do you need to be in order to be experiencing depression. You may experience only a few, while others may experience many. Duration and severity of symptoms may also fluctuate and/or differ person to person.
Resources
- Postpartum Support International Help For Dads
References
- Paulson JF, Bazemore SD. Prenatal and Postpartum Depression in Fathers and Its Association With Maternal Depression: A Meta-analysis. JAMA. 2010;303(19):1961–1969.
2. Leach, L. S., Poyser, C., Cooklin, A. R., & Giallo, R. (2016). Prevalence and course of anxiety disorders (and symptom levels) in men across the perinatal period: A systematic review. Journal of affective disorders, 190, 675–686.
3. Postpartum Men. (n.d.). Postpartum depression. Retrieved from http://postpartummen.com/postpartum-depression/ on July 21, 2021
4. Scarff J. R. (2019). Postpartum Depression in Men. Innovations in clinical neuroscience, 16(5-6), 11–14.
Postpartum Support Yukon 