Dad’s Get Depressed Too
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Postpartum depression isn?t just something that affects women.
According to Will Courtnay, a psychotherapist and founder of a group for men struggling with postpartum depression, the condition can affect men as well. According to Courtnay, some new studies suggest that as many as 1 in 4 new dads struggle with depression after the birth of their child.
Male postpartum depression is different than just the “blues”. The signs of the condition are usually more severe. Signs of postpartum depression are the same as the symptoms for generalized depression, except these symptoms begin soon after the birth of a child. They include: intense sadness, lack of interest in activities, a sense of worthlessness, change in appetite and sleep habits, and irritability.
Men who have a spouse suffering from postpartum depression have an especially high risk of developing depression. Half of all men who have depressed spouses also are struggling. Men are also less likely to seek help if they are depressed.
Experts suggest that it?s best to be proactive and not ?just wait? for the symptoms to go away. If you struggle with depression, seek help before your child is born. Counseling can help you work through issues and also adjust to your new responsibilities as a parent. Experts also suggest counseling as a couple as well as individual counseling. Such sessions can help a couple learn to communicate their fears and work on solutions to those issues. Ideally, counseling should start before the baby is born and continue after the birth.
HollyTriedIt says...
Thanks for bringing attention to an important issue. Dad’s get depressed, too. And I’m not surprised. Their spouse is a wreck from delivering a baby and nursing and just doesn’t have the energy emotionally and physically that she used to have. A new mom probably isn’t as much fun as she usually is and dad’s don’t get a lot of support, even though they are picking up more of the load while their spouse recovers.
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