Can Dads Get Postpartum Depression Too?

Postpartum depression has, over the last decade or two, made its way into the vocabulary of all new parents. No longer is this condition widely stigmatized, and most of us know that suffering from PPD is nothing to be ashamed of. Rather, it's a medical condition that can be overcome, sometimes with self-help and sometimes under the watchful eye of a medical professional, with or without antidepressants. Postpartum depression is definitely something that happens to new mothers only, though — or is it? Can new dads get postpartum depression too? 

Postpartum Depression: What Causes That, Again?

You're probably aware of the symptoms of postpartum depression. They may include a lack of interest in the new baby and self-care, negative feelings towards the baby, and concerns that the affected person might hurt their new baby. Then, there are the usual depression symptoms — not enjoying life or anything much, a lack of energy and motivation to engage in day-to-day activities, changes in sleeping patterns and appetite, feelings of worthlessness, and sometimes thoughts of suicide or self-harm. PPD may develop gradually or have a sudden onset. 

The Baby Blues can be seen as a very mild form of postpartum depression. This, too, involves mood swings, self doubts, and often crying. Someone afflicted with the Baby Blues may go from being sad to irritable, lack sleep (don't all new parents?), and fail to eat well. This phenomenon is temporary and goes away without treatment. Unlike the Baby Blues, postpartum depression sticks around for longer and frequently requires treatment. 

What causes postpartum depression? Much of it is physical. Hormonal changes play a huge role. New mothers' estrogen and progesterone levels go through a rapid drop after they give birth, often along with thyroid hormone levels. They may also have a hard time making a physical recovery from their pregnancy and birth, and struggle with their new body image. 

Then, there's the emotional aspect. Caring for a new baby can be challenging, and many new mothers are worried they aren't looking after their little one properly. They may also feel trapped at home, isolated from the dynamic adult world they were used to. Of course, the sleepless nights generally associated with having a newborn baby can also be crazy-making — sometimes literally. Long-term sleep deprivation does nasty things to people. 

See Also: Understanding Depression: When Feeling Sad Is A Sign Of Mental Illness

Well, that argument doesn't quite fly. Involved, active fathers can most definitely face worries about parenthood and their child's future, might suddenly feel extremely pressured to provide for their families while being concerned they won't be able to, and can also certainly suffer from the same amounts of sleep deprivation as their partners. As such, new fathers (and new mothers' female partners) are not immune to postpartum (or "new parent") depression by any means. You might also be interested to hear that new dads do indeed experience hormonal fluctuations. More about that on the next page.

What You Need To Know About Postpartum Depression In New Fathers

A 2013 study estimates that 13 percent of new mothers suffer from postpartum depression. A 2010 meta-analysis of 43 studies with a total of over 28,000 participants suggested that as much as 10 percent of new dads meet the same fate. Yes, fathers get postpartum depression too, and it is actually a lot more common that you probably thought. New fathers suffer from depression at more than double the rate of the general male population!

PPPD — Paternal Postpartum Depression

Men do, actually, experience hormonal fluctuations when their partner is pregnant, and again when she gives birth. Testosterone levels have been shown to drop, while estrogen, cortisol, and prolactin levels go up. While the reasons are not fully understood yet, it would make sense that these fluctuations serve to prepare men to be better fathers, and actually, to make sure they are active fathers to their new children, rather than going off and impregnating someone else. If this doesn't make sense to you, just remember that having sex with someone also activates the "love hormone" oxytocin. Hormones aren't just influenced by physical changes.

In addition, men's lives can change just as much as women's lives when they have a baby, in the twenty-first century at least. They, too, worry about raising that baby to become a productive, well-rounded, nice human being. They too suffer from sleep deprivation, and they too are under immense pressure to provide financially. In short, men get PPD too because they become parents too.

Signs Of PPPD

The signs of PPPD can include those you've already come to expect with the signs of postpartum depression:

• A loss of interest in activities the person previously enjoyed, and a general lack of happiness
• A lack of interest in their baby or their relationship
• Worrying about not being a competent parent or provider
• Sleep changes, either insomnia or a constant need to sleep
• Changes in appetite
• Sadness and crying
• Not being able to concentrate or make decisions
• Feelings of worthlessness and guilt
• Thinking of suicide and self-harm

Men, like some women, can also express their depression by becoming irritable and moody. They may exhibit anger and may yell frequently. Physical symptoms they can experience are breathlessness, heart palpitations, and panic attacks that may make them feel like they are having a heart attack. Interestingly enough, a man's partner being depressed greatly increases the risk that he will become depressed as well. 

Treatment Options

Treatment options can be divided into three categories: self-help, therapy, and medication. 

Self-help covers a broad range of practices, from getting enough sleep (might be impossible with a newborn) and making sure you eat well, to taking time out just for you and exercising regularly. Talking about your feelings with your partner or friends, setting up a support network so you don't feel quite so alone, and simply admitting that raising a child is hard work and making mistakes is allowed are all good steps. Though these things prove to be immensely helpful to some people, it would be ridiculous to assume that they're always enough to help anyone — moms or dads — overcome postpartum depression.

See Also: The Roots Of Postpartum Depression Run Deep

Individual therapy or counseling together with your partner is another very good option. Should that not help enough, antidepressant medications can also be prescribed. While you are in treatment, remember that there's no shame in being depressed, and it's not a choice you made or your fault in any way. By seeking treatment, you are being a responsible and caring parent.