Fatherhood is one of the greatest experiences in a man's life. But at the same time, a huge challenge for which many men are not prepared, both mentally and physically. And their problems are unfortunately ignored and neglected.
Postpartum depression is one of the most common psychiatric problems after childbirth, not only in women but also in men. Fathers experience their own "baby blues" more often than many of them think. As many as 26% of fathers suffer from depression in the perinatal period, and 11% experience anxiety. Struggling with mental he alth problems at a time when a man should be supportive of his partner and child is particularly difficult because knowledge about the possibility of problems is not widespread in society.
The physical and mental changes in women before and after childbirth are not surprising. The awareness of the influence of hormones on the psyche is well-established not only among women, including pregnant women, but also among men ( although their influence on the "weak sex" is sometimes demonized).
However, men also experience real biological changes during their partner's pregnancy and after the baby is born. Testosterone, dopamine, and oxytocin levels fluctuate in preparation for the father role.
Changes in a man's body after giving birth
Testosterone levels, which are usually responsible for aggression, domination and sexual attraction, drop right before and after birth. Scientists associate this with the household chores that a man performs during this period.
Dopamine and oxytocin, responsible for creating bonds and habits, help a man to form an emotional connection with a newborn baby and to respond more calmly to his crying, for example. Increased levels of these hormones persist in the blood of the fathers for several months, during which time they gradually (much longer than most mothers) accept their parental emotions.
But chemical changes aren't everything - it's a man's brain that changes! The brain zones responsible for attachment, empathy and caring increase activity and weight in the 4 months after the baby is born.
Symptoms of postpartum depression in men
Symptoms of postpartum depression in men and women are similar, although men who show emotions comeharder because of their upbringing, they show them less often and talk about them. They are:
- sadness, anger, emotional outbursts
- will reduce interest in anything, including family life
- no interest in the child
- changes in motivation, energy, sleep and appetite
- sense of worthlessness (especially with regard to fatherhood)
- suicidal thoughts
- physical symptoms of stress (increased heart rate, panic attacks, intestinal problems, headaches)
- escape into addiction or work
Additionally, fathers who suffer from postpartum anxiety may have intrusive negative thoughts about the baby, relationship and life, unfounded fears of endangering themselves or loved ones, and trouble concentrating.
Causes of postpartum depression in men
Stress related to the responsibility for a partner and a child is just one of the factors affecting men. After the birth of a child, men's life changes drastically, especially in the sphere of social life. Similar changes occur in their lives after getting married. Social groups relax and the composition changes - because the percentage of couples and parents in these circles is significantly increasing. A man's commitment carries over into domestic matters, not entertainment, so even if he is invited by former close friends, he does not have time to accept the invitations or even respond to them.
The relationship between a woman and a man is also changing - it is subjected to greater tests of stress, lack of communication and even mundane things like fatigue and lack of sleep, not to mention intimacy. A man feels threatened because he falls to the second position in the hierarchy of feelings of a woman and he has no (and knows that he shouldn't) have any influence on it.
Treatment of postpartum depression in men
Although it is still less socially acceptable than among women, a man experiencing depression should seek help - not necessarily a specialist immediately, but a wife, friend, priest - trusted person. The partner's support in the event of depression is invaluable, especially when the help of a doctor or therapist is needed, to whom a man should turn in the case of prolonged and severe depression, or may need an additional stimulus to seek such help.