THE ESSENTIAL
- Nearly one in ten fathers suffer from depression in the period following the birth of their child. “Men also experience hormonal changes, such as a drop in testosterone, which impacts mood and sleep.”
- The risks of postpartum depression in fathers are increased by various factors: psychological predispositions, financial stress, sleep deprivation or even tensions within the couple.
- Unlike women, fathers with postpartum depression rarely express visible sadness. They more frequently present irritability, emotional distance or difficulty creating a bond with their baby.
When we talk about postpartum depression, we often think of mothers: 10 to 20% of them are affected. However, a recent study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders reveals that nearly one in ten fathers suffer from depressive symptoms during the period following the birth of their child. A little-known but very real phenomenon. How does it translate to men?
Atypical symptoms and risky behaviors
Becoming a parent is life-changing, and fathers are no exception. They must deal with profound changes: a new identity, redefined relationships, and a disrupted daily life. But what is less known is that men also undergo biological modifications. Joshua P. Smith, professional counselor, explained in Parents Magazine : “Men also experience hormonal changes after the birth of their child, such as a drop in testosterone, which impacts mood and sleep.”
The risks of postpartum depression in fathers are increased by various factors: psychological predispositions, financial stress, sleep deprivation or even tensions within the couple. However, unfortunately, social norms linked to masculinity reinforce the silence of fathers on the subject: they do not talk about it. “Society expects men to ‘face it’, to ‘grit their teeth’, explains clinical psychologist Renee Goff in a press release. Anger or irritability in a man is often more tolerated than sadness.”
-Improving perinatal well-being
Unlike women, fathers with postpartum depression rarely express visible sadness. They more frequently present irritability, emotional distance or difficulty creating a bond with their baby. Some fall into avoidant behaviors, such as working too much or using harmful substances.
The good news, however, is that pre-existing mental well-being can prevent these disorders. The study thus highlights that an improvement in perinatal well-being (i.e. before birth) reduces the risk of moderate to severe depression in fathers by 10%. Likewise, according to Inserm, fathers benefiting from two weeks of paternity leave are less at risk of developing postpartum depression. Raising awareness of these realities, breaking the taboo and encouraging fathers to seek help are essential steps for more fulfilling parenthood, the authors conclude.
Health
