Many parents experience increased stress after a baby is born. There are several obstacles to bringing a new baby into your life. These difficulties could include intense emotions and lack of sleep. Doctors advise new mothers to look for signs of depression after giving birth. However, new dads are also very vulnerable to postnatal depression.
According to experts, paternal postnatal depression (PPND) affects 4 to 25 percent of new fathers in the first two months after the baby is born. It is more common in males who have spouses suffering from postnatal depression of the mother.
PPND appears to occur later than the mother’s postpartum depression. However, new dads could suffer from depression at any time after their baby is born.
According to experts, the symptoms of PPND are comparable, but not identical, to those of maternal postnatal depression. Maternal postnatal depression is described as a severe depressive episode that begins within four weeks of the birth of a baby. However, no diagnostic criteria have been defined for PPND.
Other signs and symptoms include
There are other symptoms of PPND as well. If you don’t feel like yourself, it is vital that you get treatment.
According to experts, PPND is believed to be caused by a combination of biological and environmental variables.
Biological factors; A woman’s hormone levels fluctuate significantly during pregnancy and after the period. These can cause hormonal changes in the father, such as decreases in levels of; testosterone, estrogen, cortisol, and vasopressin. Levels of prolactin also increased. These alterations may be responsible for the mood swings that predispose males to paternal postnatal depression.
Environmental factors; Emotional and stressful events, such as the birth of a baby, can precipitate depression. The demands of parenthood, such as increased financial responsibilities and changes in lifestyle and relationships, along with lack of sleep, concern for the spouse, as well as increased obligations at home, could cause PPND in a new parent.
New fathers are more likely to suffer from PPND if:
During pregnancy, they have a difficult relationship with their spouse.
Their partner suffers from postnatal depression too.
This is their first experience of fatherhood.
They have a limited income.
A new parent’s personality, socioeconomic position, genetics, and mental health history can all influence his or her risk of developing PPND.
PPND, like any other type of depression, can lead to other problems. These are some examples:
Furthermore, PPND is an important risk factor for child maltreatment.
Signs That Online Therapy Might Just Be What You Need
Common PPND treatment includes:
To assist you, your doctor may prescribe medications including antidepressants.
Depending on the symptoms, medications such as mood stabilizers, antipsychotics, and anxiolytics may be needed.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy or interpersonal therapy, for example, can be done alone or with a spouse.
Inpatient therapy is reserved for severe cases of PPND and other types of depression where you pose an urgent threat to yourself, your spouse, child, or someone else.
You can help yourself cope with depression by taking action at home. Consider the following:
Regular exercise can help relieve stress and keep you fit.
So, this might seem like a big parenting issue and asking for help can be difficult. However, it is vital to keep moving forward in order to feel better. It is never inappropriate to discuss your mental health with your spouse or an experienced expert.
Remember that you are not alone and can ask for assistance if needed. You can control and even cure your PPND with medical therapy and a strong support system. You can continue to raise a happy and healthy child by maintaining a positive relationship with your new family. Don’t face it alone.
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