Men too suffer from after-birth depression

This is how to tell

Daddy, do you have a new baby in the family? Are you feeling anxious, angry, miserable and withdrawn from people after the initial euphoria that comes with the birth of a child? You may be suffering from Postpartum Depression or Paternal Postnatal Depression (PPND). Whereas this was seen as a case of a new father suffering newborn blues, it is now becoming apparent that as is the case with women, men, too, are at the risk of suffering depression after the birth of a child.

The expectation of a child is often surrounded by joy and anticipation. In an ideal situation, both parents eagerly await the birth of their child and what it will entail for them as a family. This time is especially special to the mother. Everything is geared towards making sure she is ready to make the transition into motherhood.

After the birth of the child, the attention is usually given to mother and child and everyone is committed to seeing them healthy and whole. Tonnes of books are written on how a mother should be and how she should ‘watch out for danger signs for such things as depression.

In contrast, dad is often overlooked. Naturally, his role is to support the mother and the child. He is never the centre of attention and is actually expected to face the changes ‘like a man’.

However, what is coming to light is that dads are also at the risk of suffering depression after the birth of a child, which can have devastating effects on him and the family if not addressed early and effectively.

The diagnosis of PPND is fairly new worldwide with little research having gone into the condition. In the United States of America, they have just begun studying the condition So far, it is estimated that 1,000 new dads become depressed every day. In Kenya, psychologists are already aware of the condition.

According to Wandia Maina of Phoenix Training Centre, PPND is pretty easy to miss when screening a client. ‘However, it is becoming more recognised. Local research into the condition is limited but interest in the condition is slowly building and with time, more will be known about the condition.’

Paternal Postnatal Depression is difficult to notice because it takes a different form from the normal depression. A man’s disposition after the birth of a child has been pegged on the man finding it difficult to accept the changes a child brings and is seen as a normal reaction.

However, if the man is suffering from depression and the condition is not diagnosed and treated correctly, it can lead to dire consequences. According to Maina, there is the danger of long-term behavioral and psychiatric problems.

According to Postpartummen, a website on Postpartum Depression, there are certain factors that increase the likelihood of getting PPNO. Lack of sufficient sleep, changes in hormones, history of depression, strained relationships with spouse or parents, excessive stress of fatherhood, lack of support and limited resources are some of them.

Having a partner with maternal depression is cited as a major trigger for PPND. The depression in one partner should always include giving attention to the other because the likelihood is that both partners may be suffering from the condition. This means that in diagnosing the mother, the specialist should also look into the father’s condition to make sure that both are working towards getting healthy.

Another reason why diagnosis is not easy is that there are numerous symptoms that are indicative of the condition. Research into the condition reveals the following as its symptoms:

• Increased anger and conflict with others.

• Increased use of alcohol or other drugs.

• Violent behaviour.

• Involuntary weight loss.

• Isolation from family and friends.

• Being easily stressed

• Impulsiveness and taking risks, like reckless driving and extramarital sex.

• Feeling discouraged.

• Increased complaints about physical problems.

• Persistent headaches, digestion problems or pain.

• Problems with concentration and motivation.

• Loss of interest in work, hobbies and sex.

• Working constantly

• Frustration or irritability.

• Misuse of prescription medication

• Increased concerns about productivity and functioning at school or work

• Fatigue.

• Experiencing conflict between how you think you should be as a man and how you actually are

• Thoughts of suicide.

To be diagnosed as having PPND, one should have five or more of these symptoms. According to Maina, it is highly unlikely that a man will experience all these symptoms. Some men experience only a few of them, while others experience a multiple of them. The severity of the symptoms also varies from one person to another.

PPND is treated the same way as depression. Drugs are administered in severe cases and this goes together with psychotherapy Like other forms of depression, a strong support system for the sufferer is needed The partner needs to be made aware of this because resentment may build up due to the misconception that the man is just not willing to embrace fatherhood. In most cases, counselling may be recommended to the couple so that the mother is also receiving the support she needs.

The awareness of this condition will help new mothers to avoid sidelining the father, bearing in mind what the birth of their child means to them. In case of lingering symptoms, seek professional help to ensure that both of you are giving your new child the best according to your ability.

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