How postpartum depression affects men and how to get help

There is little data on the matter, but some research suggests that up to 10% of men may suffer from the problem.

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Many people think that postpartum depression is a condition that only affects women. But it also affects men and some research estimates that it affects 10% of fathers.

However, although it is frequent, there is not much information available on the subject. This can make it difficult to know if you have postpartum depression and how to get help.

Here’s what you need to know about this topic.

Because it happens

There are many reasons why postpartum depression occurs. And contrary to popular belief, it’s not just due to hormones. Even in women, hormones play only a small role in postpartum depression.

It is usually due to a combination of risk factors, such as a previous history of depression, sleep problems after the baby is born, lack of social support, or financial problems. And it can happen at any age.

The symptoms of postpartum depression are quite similar to those of depression. They can range from low mood, lack of motivation, lack of sleep, feelings of guilt or worthlessness, poor concentration, changes in appetite or weight, tiredness, tiredness, and thoughts of death or suicide.

The main difference between typical depression and postpartum depression is that while the former can occur at any time, the latter usually occurs after the baby is born.

It is common for us to have some trouble managing our mental health after the birth of a baby. After all, it can be an exciting but also overwhelming time, with changes in almost every aspect of life: from your daily routine, to your relationship with your partner, to the number of hours you sleep each night.

But if you’ve been moody and lacking in motivation for more than a few weeks, or if feelings arise that make it difficult for you to interact with your newborn, consider talking to your doctor or mental health professional.

It’s important to note that postpartum depression can occur anytime after your baby arrives, such as the first year or two after birth, not just the first few months.

Help

Postpartum depression may not go away on its own. So if you suspect you’re struggling with postpartum depression, it’s important to seek support, not just for your well-being, but also because it may be affecting your bond with your baby.

First, there’s nothing wrong with needing help and seeking support, whether it’s from loved ones, friends or a doctor. There is nothing to be ashamed of. It’s not something that makes you weak, nor does postpartum depression make you a “failure.”

It may be difficult for you to know how to take the first step in getting support, so a good place to start may be to simply acknowledge that it’s hard to talk about.

As simple as it sounds, this can help you feel less awkward about sharing your experiences when talking to someone.

It’s worth remembering that when talking to someone, it’s important to say how you really feel, not what you feel you need to say.

Another feeling that can appear – and it is normal – is feeling angry at being like this. Many men who struggle with their mental health are angry that they feel that way, or fear that they have let their loved ones down, or fear that the system won’t listen to them. To deal with this anger, be patient. Try to let it pass; this can help you feel more comfortable talking about your other emotions.

Also check in which environment it is easier for you to talk about your experiences. For example, some people may find it easier to talk to their GP or in chat groups, but others may find it more comfortable to do so in more informal settings, such as with a group of friends watching a game.

You can start the conversation with something simple, like asking how everyone is doing, before sharing your feelings and experiences. Or, if your friends are also parents, you could ask if any of them had similar feelings to you during the postnatal period.

If you are one of those who find it difficult to talk to your loved ones, consider using a mental health app. Some people find it easier to use it to ask questions, find solutions, and talk about how they’re feeling. There are some apps that have features that can help you navigate parenting.

Postpartum depression in parents is real and it matters. Fortunately, compared to just a few years ago, there is more awareness and help available than ever before.

*Andrew Mayers is Senior Research Fellow in Psychology at Bournemouth University (UK).

*This story originally appeared on The Conversation’s website and is published here under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article, in English, here.

Source: Terra

Ben

Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.