Men can Develop Postpartum Depression too. What you Should Know by Miami Therapist
It has long been believed that only women experience postpartum depression. We also used to think that only woman experienced hormonal changes postpartum and even during pregnancy, but we have discovered that that too is incorrect. Though hormones are one element that impacts mental health and postpartum depression, the development of postpartum depression in men is a bio-psycho-social issue. This means that there are a lot of factors that take place, biological factors, psychological factors and social factors that impact whether a Dad will develop postpartum depression.
How Fatherhood Can Impact Mental Health
Being a Dad is a life-changing event. It can be a joyous, wondrous time, but it can be an overwhelming, leaving Dads feeling overwhelmed and alone. When you welcome a new baby into the world, the relationship between your partner changes instantly. It is no longer just you and your partner; you now have a small being that you have to keep alive. Dads may also see their role changing, from partner and lover, to provider and protector. It can lead to more stress and more uncertainty. This new pressure can greatly impact the mental health of a new Dad. Another factor that can impact the mental well-being of a new Father is the relationship strength and health between the Dad and his relationship partner.
One in Ten Dads will Develop Postpartum Depression
We now know that 1 in 10 Dads will develop Postpartum Depression. It is also important to know that if the mother has Postpartum Depression that the father has a 50% chance of also having Postpartum Depression. Clinicians and professionals need to be thinking about Dads as well and not just focusing on the mental health of Mom. When we are working with couples in couples therapy, or if we are working with a new Mom who is struggling postpartum, we never say that it is the responsibility of the father to solely take care of the mother. The Dad is also going through immense physical and psychological changes and he needs support and a network of people he can rely on, just like Mom does.
Why Men Might Not Want to Reach Out for Help
In order to understand why fewer men might reach out for help postpartum or when they are struggling with their mental health, it is important to understand gender roles and the impact of traditional masculinity. Traditionally, being a man means you are independent and inexpressive. Men are told to value being strong and the ability to take care of themselves. It can be a sign of weakness if men seek out help or are unable to solve problems themselves. Business and the corporate world value problem-solvers and independent thinkers, so a man’s initial approach to solving problems is to try and solve them themselves.
Traditional masculinity also highlights anti-femininity, status and achievement. This means that anything that is associated with being feminine- emotions, connection, being social - is immediately deemed “bad” from this perspective. Achievement and status are things that men aim for, in the paradigm of traditional masculinity. If you are not achieving, if you are not successful then you are not seen as a “true man”. For a Dad who might be struggling with their mental health, there can be a lot of shame in reaching out for help, for seeking out a therapist. This can be especially true if their culture or family prescribes to a traditional masculine perspective.
If this is the case, then maybe the Dad might be more open to parenting support. Having the support they need to be the best Dad they can be can has a huge impact on their own personal mental health. If they feel confident in their role as a father, it can greatly impact their mental health postpartum.
Symptoms of Postpartum Depression in Dads
Are more stressed
They reach for a drink more often that they used to
They appear more aggressive or angry
They might be feeling overwhelmed, burned out
They are irritable
They struggle to make everyday decisions
Their sleep has been impacted
They are constantly tired
They are anxious and more worried than they used to be
Fatigue
They tend to withdraw and shut people out
They are having depressive thoughts
How to Help a Dad with Postpartum Depression
If you feel like you or your partner might have Postpartum Depression, first know you are not alone. Postpartum Depression in Dads is very common, we just don’t talk about it enough. Second, know that it is not your fault. There is nothing you or you partner did that directly caused the development of Postpartum Depression. Lastly, know that is does not have to be this way. Things can change and can get better with the right support and help.
It might be helpful to reach out to a counselor or therapist in your area. Postpartum.net is a great resource to find counselors in your are that specialize in maternal and paternal mental health. Our practice is physically located in Miami, Florida but provide online therapy to Moms and Dads in Florida. If we can help in anyway to either find you a counselor or answer any questions you have about therapy for Dads, please feel free to contact us at 305 998 2665 or april@TheHeardCounseling.com
Begin Therapy for Dads with Miami Therapist:
We are here to support you as you navigate what it means to be a Dad and what it meas to be a man in today’s world. Our Miami therapists are here for you. To begin online therapy in Miami, Florida, follow these steps:
Contact our Miami therapists
Request an initial consultation appointment with an online therapist
Allow yourself the opportunity to heal and feel better
Other Counseling Services at The Heard Counseling:
The Heard Counseling offers mental health services and therapy services tailored to meet the mental health needs of adults, teens and couples our therapy center based in Miami, Florida. Right now, they are offering all their counseling services via online therapy in Florida to protect the health of their clients and therapists. In addition to therapy for Dads and Postpartum Depression, they also offer postpartum anxiety and postpartum anxiety treatment, birth trauma treatment, therapy for moms, infertility counseling and support, therapy for women and families who have experienced pregnancy and infant loss, and counseling for teens. They also offer couples counseling, marriage counseling and couples therapy Miami. Check out their blog for valuable mental health tips. Contact their counseling office to learn more about the many ways they can help you live well.