Postnatal
Depression in Men

Post-natal depression, or PND, is thought to affect 1 in 10 new mothers
but current research now suggests that up to 1 in 25 new fathers may also
be affected by the condition.

Depressed dads

Although postnatal depression (PND) is a condition normally associated
with mums, it has being increasingly observed in dads in recent years,
with up to one in 25 dads thought to be expected. Symptoms can be similar
to those found in women, although it has been noted that men potentially
can become more hostile in attitude as they react to their depressive
state.

The pressures of fatherhood, increased responsibility at home, financial
worries and a change in lifestyle, as well as the obvious change in their
relationship with their partner, can all contribute to feelings of depression
in dads, which are often overlooked by healthcare professionals. This
alone can lead to problems as, according to mental health charity MIND,
research has shown that families in which fathers were depressed soon
after the birth, were more at risk of their children developing behavioural
and emotional problems. Boys were more affected than girls.

Risk factors

What puts a dad at increase risk of PND? Having a partner who suffers
from PND increases the father’s risk from 3% to 7%. Other risk factors
include: Having a partner who suffers from PND increases the father’s
risk from 3% to 7%. Other risk factors include:

• First time fathers
• Older fathers
• Less educated fathers
• Repeated and current stressful situations
• State of relationship with the baby’s mother

According to MIND, depression can kick in during pregnancy, when their
relationship with their partner already starts to change. Additionally
all the attention heaped on to their partner can leave men feeling lonely
and left out.

Self-help tips

Many leading psychiatrists claim that men cannot suffer from postnatal
depression, a condition thought to be caused primarily by female hormones
and, therefore, to have a physiological basis. However, they do accept
that fathers can suffer from depression after the birth of a baby and
suggest the following self-help ideas.

• Allow some time for yourself, away from work and family
• Talk to friends and family about how you are feeling
• Try to maintain any important hobbies or social events

Where to get help

Social support, and making contact with other people who have been through the same
experience, can play an important part in your recovery from postnatal depression.

Your health visitor, GP and midwife should be able to put you in touch
with local support groups where you can talk frankly with other PND-sufferers,
listen to their accounts of living with postnatal depression and gain
comfort from the knowledge that you’re not suffering alone. It can
also be helpful to exchange practical ideas for coping with PND.

Another useful organisation is SANE,
which deals with depression and other mental health issues. SANE operates
a national database of support services and may be able to put you in
contact with PND-related groups in your area. Its helpline offers information
on symptoms and treatment, as well as just a listening ear.

MIND
(National Association for Mental Health) provides a means of building
social contacts – the organisation has over 200 branches across England
and Wales, most of which offer counselling services for individuals suffering
from depression and other mental health problems. Some areas will also
have specific support for postnatal depression. MIND’s helpline offers
advice and information (including a booklet called Understanding Postnatal
Depression).