This question has been posted in these health communities: Postnatal Depression
Q: Can men also experience postnatal depression?
Ever since we had our first child, I have noticed that my husband is not his usual self. We are going through many life changes by taking care of the baby (losing sleep, taking off time from work, etc). I am worried that he may be depressed. Can men also get postnatal depression?
Answers
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Dr Strang runs a workshop for parents to be and new parents on "Emotional Transition to Parenthood". Becoming a parent requires many new skills; my ... View profileHaving a new baby arrive is a massive transition for most families….often the challanges are not discussed or acknowledged.
Men do in fact get postnatal depression (pnd). The reported statistics are that 1 in 10 men are diagnosed with pnd yet the reality is probably higher.
The biggest risk factor is having a partner with pnd or a history of mental illness…but any dad can get it.
Please try to make a long appointment to discuss your husbands' symptoms with the GP.
Also make sure he is safe and there is no risk of suicide in his situation.
Good Luck. Reply to this post | Report -
ABOUT BRUCE Registered psychologist since 1991 Over sixteen years experience as a supervisor Teaches Counselling at a Melbourne university (since 2005) Broadly Humanistic approach with ... View profileThe arrival of a new child - especially a first - may well be joyous and thrilling, but it is also one of the greatest upheavals to jolt a relationship. For many men, there are powerful feelings of protectiveness towards their partner and the infanct… and often confusion as they try to adjust to the ‘new world’ that has landed upon them. Changes of work patterns, sleep patterns, household routines, social contacts… Everything changes!
I've worked with quite a few ‘new dads’ of various ages (as an older ‘new dad’ myself, there IS an obvious interst!) and they have valued the space in the counselling environment to talk about the changes. It's something to consider. Reply to this post | Report -
ABOUT BRUCE Registered psychologist since 1991 Over sixteen years experience as a supervisor Teaches Counselling at a Melbourne university (since 2005) Broadly Humanistic approach with ... View profileThe arrival of a new child - especially a first - may well be joyous and thrilling, but it is also one of the greatest upheavals to jolt a relationship. For many men, there are powerful feelings of protectiveness towards their partner and the infant… and often confusion as they try to adjust to the ‘new world’ that has landed upon them. Changes of work patterns, sleep patterns, household routines, social contacts… Everything changes!
I've worked with quite a few ‘new dads’ of various ages (as an older ‘new dad’ myself, there IS an obvious interst!) and they have valued the space in the counselling environment to talk about the changes. It's something to consider. Reply to this post | Report
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