The term ‘postpartum depression’ is commonly used today. It indicates the depression found among women during post-delivery period. Today people are generally aware of this phenomenon. So, their relatives and the society treat these women with sympathy.
But how many people are aware of the postpartum depression among men? It is a reality. According to the statistics, one out of ten men is susceptible to this depression. But our ego is not prepared to admit this reality. So, these changes in men are not duly taken into consideration and are mistaken for something else.
Postpartum depression symptoms are similar in men and women. Yet it is helpful for those who are passing through postpartum stage to make a comparison:
- Anger; a tendency to quarrel
- Craving for alcohol and stuff
- Despair
- Violence
- Gaining weight or losing weight
- Withdrawal from the society
- Laziness, lethargy
- Frequent sexual disturbances
- Loathing for sexual relationship
- Fatigue
- Crying alone
- Suicidal thoughts
Hormone changes that are one of the causes for postpartum depression in women, also causes depression in men. Besides, it is seen that with the birth of a child, testosterone level in men diminishes. But the reason for this decrease in testosterone level is still an enigma to the medical science. But science is sure that decrease in testosterone level and postpartum depression are correlated.
It is observed that a person who is naturally gloomy becomes more depressed with the birth of a child. Depression tendency in the family increases the chance of postpartum depression. Likewise, the postpartum symptoms in the wife are contracted to the husband also.
Losing sleep at night as one spends sleepless nights for taking care of the baby can also be a cause of postpartum depression. Mismatch with wife, unexpected pregnancy etc. can also cause postpartum depression in men.
Even though the realization that he is going to be a father initially excites him, he loses his verve once the child is born. With the birth of the child, the man is enslaved by anxiety. He gets tensed by the thought that his child has some chronic disease. Such thoughts and whims can lead him to emotional outburst and a break up.
According to another report, men will start to exhibit postpartum symptoms when his wife is three months pregnant. In the next three months these symptoms get to the peak.
Women with postpartum depression conceal their condition within, but men usually express it by emotional outburst, anger and violence. Many men do not try to consult a doctor even when they find the unusual symptoms of postpartum depression. He is not ready to accept it or admit it as he thinks he is the head of the family. Psychotherapies such as Cognitive behavioral therapy and interpersonal therapy are found to be effective solutions for this. Many developed countries have implemented restorative measures for assessing the mental health of parents and treating them.
The mental health of the parents has a decisive role to play in the mental and intellectual growth of the child. So, it is essential for postpartum depression among men to be discussed and dealt with. They need psychological treatment.
Some home solutions
Give the father more opportunities to interact with the new born baby. Let them bathe, change dress and feed the babies.
Schedule the night duty of staying awake for the baby’s needs in an alternative way.
Parents must together spend time with the baby.
Engage in physical exercises.
Go for an occasional trip and reclaim the lost happiness.
(Courtesy: internet)
