caitlinm

Postpartum depression is commonly associated with the mother of a newborn. Considering the amount of hormonal shifts her body experiences in order to grow, then birth, and then care for a newborn it would be easy to assume that it is purely a chemical imbalance that will correct with time and treatment. Depression is not, however, purely a chemical reaction. It is also a mental and emotional shift; one that can occur when external circumstances have a major shift. So, it would not be uncommon for men to experience postpartum depression. The clinical term is paternal postnatal depression (PPND). One in ten men experience postpartum depression compared to one in seven women. Here are a few other differences between a man’s postpartum depression (PPND) and a woman’s postpartum depression (PPD). Mothers will usually experience peak symptoms two to three months after the baby is born, while fathers are more likely to peak later in the first year. A woman’s depression will tend to display crying, hopelessness, loss of interest, and guilt. A man’s depression will manifest more as anger and an increase in risk-taking behaviors. Various research suggests that it takes 12-18 months to heal from a major life event, and the birth of a child certainly qualifies. The effects can be physical (in the instance of the mother’s body) and mental (the minds of both mothers and fathers). What does a man’s postpartum depression look like? Men are more at risk for postpartum depression when their wife is diagnosed with PPD. Other risk factors include: Lack of sleep . A personal history of mental illness. A strained relationship with the spouse. Concerns or high expectations about becoming a father. Financial concerns. Fears about the changing dynamics in the family structure. It can mirror the mother’s depression. Just as [...]