RECOGNISING POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION IN DADS

New dads can also suffer from postpartum depression. Here are the signs to look out for and what to do.

The birth of a child is a unique and wonderful experience that all parents cherish, but sometimes worries and fears accompany these feelings of joy.

Will I be a good parent? Can I provide for my child? These are concerns parents have. However, some parents may also struggle with intense fear and anxiety. In fact, some suffer from it so severely that it may affect their emotional and physical wellbeing.

WHAT IS POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION?
Postpartum depression is a specific form of depression that follows the birth of a child. It’s a condition previously associated with women only, but men, too, can suffer from it. Studies have found that one in 10 men experience paternal postpartum depression or PPPD. A 2014 Pediatrics study found that depression among new dads increases by 68 percent during the child’s first five years.

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And, according to a report published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, 10 percent of men worldwide showed signs of depression from the first trimester of their partner’s pregnancy to six months after the child was born. The rate increased to a staggering 26 percent in the first six months following the baby’s birth. That is more than double the typical rate of depression in men.

Timothy Moyo knows this too well. He was overjoyed when his first child was born in July 2020. ‘I was excited and looking forward to being a father,’ recalls Timothy, a GP who practises in Fourways, Johannesburg. However, after a few days, his excitement turned to anxiety. Wendy, his daughter, was constantly crying. ‘I became obsessed with the idea that something was severely wrong with my child. At one point, I believed she didn’t like me because she cried whenever I attempted to hold her or even look at her.’ He initially believed the sad feelings he experienced were ‘baby blues’, but they lasted for weeks. Timothy buried his head in work; however, he felt agitated and even became angry at home. After weeks of depression, he finally sought professional help.

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We often hear people talk about ‘baby blues’, but paternal postpartum depression is a far more severe condition. Typically, baby blues set in two to three days after the birth of a child, and can last for up to two weeks. Symptoms may include mood swings, anxiety and difficulty sleeping.

Although paternal postpartum depression may at first be mistaken for baby blues, it is a serious and long-lasting form of depression that can negatively affect the sufferer and their family. For example, it can hinder a new parent’s ability to complete daily tasks or look after their baby.

WHAT ARE THE SIGNS?
Symptoms of paternal postpartum depression can develop any time from a few weeks to up to a year after the birth of a child. Some of the most common signs include:

A depressed mood, including feelings of hopelessness and the person believing they are not a good parent
Severe mood swings, including intense irritability and anger
Excessive crying
Difficulty bonding with the baby
Social withdrawal
Insomnia or sleeping too much
Fatigue
A loss of appetite
Anxiety
Recurrent thoughts of suicide or death.

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WHAT CAUSES POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION?
Hormonal changes cause postpartum depression in men (and women). In addition, men who had an absent father, have a history of childhood abuse, are under work and/or financial stress, or are experiencing relationship problems are more at risk for PPPD.

As clinical psychologist, Bryony Niemann explains: ‘It is normal for men’s testosterone levels to drop during pregnancy and after the birth.’ She states that lowered testosterone is normal and helps men bond better with their babies. ‘Unfortunately, lower testosterone in men has also been shown to increase the risk for depression.’ When you add the risk factors mentioned above, it is a recipe for paternal postpartum depression.

WHERE CAN YOU FIND HELP?
If you are worried that your spouse or another new dad may be suffering from these symptoms, you must seek help urgently. ‘Untreated PPPD can negatively impact the whole family,’ says Bryony. ‘Men can struggle to build a bond with their baby and feel detached, angry and aggressive. These problems can lead to children experiencing potential developmental delays and behavioural problems later. In addition, it can cause tension at home and even end in divorce.

This is why it is so important to get help as soon as possible,’ Bryony explains. ‘Thankfully, it is a very treatable condition – your doctor can prescribe antidepressant medication.’ Additionally, it’s important to find someone to talk to. Look for support groups such as Postpartummen.com. On these sites, men can find information about postpartum depression and anonymously express their feelings.

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