In episode 35: Postpartum Mental Health & Suicide, Part II we discuss how PMADs (Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders) can effect every member of the family. It is common knowledge that many women may experience postpartum depression, for example, following childbirth. However, women are not the only ones who are changed by a new baby entering the home. Research supports that the entire family is impacted by a newborn.
Men and Postpartum Mental Health
As with women, not every father develops mental health symptoms after their child is born. However, it is estimated that between 4 and 25 percent of men experience symptoms such as:
- increased irritability
- indecisiveness
- restricted emotions
- depression
These problems are most often seen 3-6 months postpartum, but they can develop slowly throughout the first year of the baby’s life. Numerous factors can put men at greater risk for the development of this mental health condition. Some of these risk factors concern aspects of the relationship with the mother. These include :
- whether or not the pregnancy was intended
- the quality of the relationship between mother and father
- the extent to which the father feels excluded from early bonding
- PMAD symptoms in the mother
Other risk factors, such as prior depressive episodes, concern the overall mental health of the father. Still others are the result of ecological stresses that both mothers and fathers experience after the advent of a baby:
- a lack of sleep
- concerns for the future
- worries about money
- limited support for the new parents (e.g., no grandparents nearby)
When women or men experience PMADS, it affects not only themselves, but also their intimate partners and other members of the family. When Mom or Dad are depressed or more irritable, everyone suffers.
Postpartum Hormonal Changes in Men
Perhaps less intuitively, men and postpartum mental health are also connected to hormonal changes following childbirth. Research suggests that these hormonal changes may assist in the formation of a strong father-child relationship. For example, decreased testosterone levels in new fathers may lead to lower levels of aggression and increased sympathetic responses to a crying baby. Increased estrogen levels among new fathers seem to promote greater paternal involvement. Yet, these same hormonal changes could be related to greater incidence of PMADS among men. For example, lower testosterone levels are associated with depression. In addition, stress hormones such as cortisol can increase because of the demands of parenting an infant.
What Can Help with Postpartum Mental Health Issues?
While medications such as antidepressants are commonly used with both men and women who experience mood and anxiety disorders, many people prefer non-medicinal approaches. For men, this is often related to concerns about sexual side effects. Similarly, new mothers may be reluctant to use them while nursing. Psychotherapy, particularly cognitive-behavioral methods, have been shown to be effective in reducing PMADS symptoms among both men and women. Support groups for new parents can also be helpful. Groups normalize the parental experience, acknowledge the emotional effects, and offer coping strategies. Paid parental leave is an important element in combating PMADS because it allows both mothers and fathers additional time to adapt to the changes and stressors of the perinatal period.
In Conclusion…
Anyone who has experienced PMADS themselves or in another family member knows how distressing it can be. Although commonly thought of as a problem for new moms, dads can also experience negative mental health symptoms in the perinatal period. Many of the reasons underlying these conditions are similar for men and women. Fortunately, effective treatments exist. Perinatal mood and anxiety problems should not be ignored. Talk with your physician about treatment options that are right for you.