Fathers and Postpartum Depression
Being a Father Hurts
Postpartum depression is a disorder that can affect both father and mother after becoming a parent. Depression can occur during or after pregnancy. Postpartum depression affects 7–10% of new fathers. Fortunately, postpartum depression is treatable, and the sooner you seek help, the better.
How do you know if you have PPD?
Postpartum depression, for example, causes depressive or anxious thoughts, anger, or a desire to flee. Postpartum depression symptoms and thoughts include:
- “I’ve become a miserable father”, “I can’t provide good enough care”, “I can’t handle it all”.
- “We should never have had a child,” “I can’t cope,” and “Nothing helps.”
- “I am a bad father” or “I am afraid”.
- Shame: “I’m not good enough”, “I should be happy”, “I can’t love my child”, “I’m a bad father”.
Postpartum depression occurs there.
Some men struggle to accept they are mentally ill and to express their feelings. So pay attention to what your loved ones say about how you’ve changed and respond appropriately.
Symptoms of postpartum depression include:
- Insomnia, inattention, or malnutrition
- Anxiety
- apathy and boredom
- Fear and anxiety
- Reduced sense of self-worth and guilt
- Sorting
- Suicidal ideas
- Some men have the following reactions and conditions:
- Anger – towards a child, a partner, or oneself.
- impulsivity and aggression
- Low stress threshold
- One withdraws from close relationships
- Refusal of help
- obsessive preoccupation with work, hobbies, and games
- Abuse
How to overcome perinatal depression
If you have or are about to have postpartum depression, seek help. In any case, it’s a good idea to share your feelings with others outside of your relationship.
“Birth depression” in both fathers and mothers can harm their children’s development and well-being.
Postpartum depression is treated with talk therapy, antidepressants, or both. Second, it focuses on: One is mental improvement. The second is to strengthen the relationship with your child so that you can work together.
Seek medical attention if you have any of the above symptoms. Get treatment as soon as possible so you and your child can have as much fun as possible.