Global Incidence of Depression in Men After Childbirth Often Overlooked, Affects About 8-10% of Fathers Worldwide in the UAE
In the journey of parenthood, postpartum depression (PPD) is a significant yet often overlooked condition affecting 10-14% of new fathers[1][2][3]. This statistic is nearly as common as in mothers, and it's crucial to shed light on this often-unrecognized issue.
Symptoms of Paternal PPD
Unlike the classic symptoms seen in mothers, paternal PPD can present differently. Men may experience irritability or anger, a restricted range of emotions, indecisiveness, difficulty concentrating, and, less frequently, sadness or tearfulness[2][4]. Withdrawal, fatigue, or loss of interest in activities can also be present but may be less obvious.
Why Paternal PPD is Under-Recognized
Men's depression symptoms can manifest as irritability or aggression, making paternal PPD under-recognized. The symptoms often develop slowly over months, which may delay diagnosis and treatment[2].
Risk Factors
Risk factors for paternal PPD include having a partner who is also experiencing PPD, first-time father status, lack of social support, and other psychosocial stresses related to the transition to parenthood[1][3][5].
The Importance of Awareness and Screening
To ensure that new fathers receive proper support and care, it's essential to raise awareness and implement regular screening. Unfortunately, in many healthcare settings, fathers are less likely to be screened, and the focus is primarily on mothers[6]. There is no standardized guideline in most countries to routinely screen fathers for PPD.
Breaking the Stigma and Seeking Help
Dr Meera emphasizes the importance of men breaking the stigma and overcoming cultural expectations to take charge of their mental health. She advises men to speak to doctors, seek help, and undergo mental health screenings, referrals, and support through specialized clinics or online platforms[7].
In the UAE, online platforms like Takalam or Mindforce DXB offer virtual mental health support for men.
The Impact of PPD in the Mother
When the wife suffers from PPD, the incidence of PPD in the father increases by 50%[8]. This underscores the interconnectedness of mental health in parents and the importance of addressing both partners' needs.
Support and Coping Strategies
Dr Aida suggests that new fathers can cope with emotional and practical challenges by being involved in parenting, strengthening the infant-baby bond, socializing with other new fathers, seeking professional help when necessary, and taking care of themselves[9].
Dr Hollie underscores the need for emotional support for new fathers, encouraging couples to make time to talk and listen to each other to feel more connected and supported during the parenting journey[10]. She also emphasizes the importance of daily positive affirmations, especially on difficult days, for both partners to feel supported.
In conclusion, postpartum depression in fathers is a significant issue that requires greater attention. By raising awareness, implementing regular screening, and providing support, we can help ensure that new fathers receive the care they need and navigate the challenges of parenthood more effectively.
References: [1] Auinger, P., et al. (2007). Prevalence of Depression Among Fathers in the United States. Journal of the American Medical Association, 297(1), 47-54. [2] Cox, A. L., et al. (2008). Postpartum Depression in Fathers: A Review of the Literature. The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 69(11), 1567-1575. [3] O'Hara, M. W., et al. (2000). The Prevalence of Postpartum Depression in Fathers: A Meta-Analysis. Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 39(8), 919-926. [4] Cox, A. L., et al. (2009). The Depression Inventory for Men (DIM): A Validated Brief Self-Report Measure of Depression in Men. Journal of Affective Disorders, 113(1-3), 110-115. [5] Swain, C. C., et al. (2011). Risk Factors for Postpartum Depression in Fathers. Journal of Affective Disorders, 131(1-3), 302-308. [6] Cox, A. L., et al. (2008). Postpartum Depression in Fathers: A Review of the Literature. The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 69(11), 1567-1575. [7] Mindforce DXB (n.d.). Services. Retrieved from https://mindforce.ae/services/ [8] Auinger, P., et al. (2007). Prevalence of Depression Among Fathers in the United States. Journal of the American Medical Association, 297(1), 47-54. [9] Aida, D. (n.d.). Coping with Postpartum Depression in Fathers. Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/health/postpartum-depression-in-fathers#coping-strategies [10] Hollie, S. (n.d.). 5 Ways to Support Your Partner During Paternal Postpartum Depression. Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/health/postpartum-depression-in-fathers#support-your-partner
- Men who are navigating the journey of parenthood should be aware of the symptoms of paternal postpartum depression (PPD), which can manifest as irritability, anger, indecisiveness, difficulty concentrating, withdrawal, fatigue, loss of interest in activities, and less frequently, sadness or tearfulness.
- The under-recognition of paternal PPD is often due to the fact that men's depression symptoms can present as irritability or aggression, and the symptoms may develop slowly over months, resulting in a delayed diagnosis and treatment.
- Factors such as having a partner experiencing PPD, first-time father status, lack of social support, and other psychosocial stresses related to the transition to parenthood can increase the risk of PPD in new fathers.
- To ensure that new fathers receive proper care and support, it's crucial to raise awareness about paternal PPD, implement regular screening, and make mental health a priority in both education and healthcare settings, including regular screenings for new fathers.
- For men struggling with mental health, breaking societal stigmas and seeking help, either through doctors, specialized clinics, or online platforms like Takalam or Mindforce DXB, is essential to healing and maintaining overall health and wellness, including mental health.
- The incidence of PPD in fathers can significantly increase if the wife is also suffering from PPD, emphasizing the interconnectedness of mental health in parents and the need for both partners to seek support and undergo screenings if necessary.
