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Postpartum depression is seen in mothers during the first 12 months after delivery of their child. It is a major depression that is characterized by feelings of severe despondency, dejection and inadequacy. Mothers often have persistent feelings of sadness and loss of interest. Postpartum depression is more than just a bout of the blues. It is seen in 10-20 percent of postpartum mothers, and it is well recognized in mothers because family and friends are often on the lookout for it in moms.
Much less well known is a syndrome that new fathers may also go through. It is a depression that peaks within the first three to six months after a baby’s birth but is seen throughout that first year after the birth of a father’s first child. It may be different than what one would see in a mother. Here, in men, there is the so called male masked depression, which is characterized by anger, frustration, irritability, social isolation and an increase in substance abuse. The numbers vary but up to 10-15 percent of new fathers may experience this.
It is not as readily recognized as it is in mothers. There is a growing awareness of this condition and health care providers are now beginning to check and assess the mental health of new fathers.
It is now recognized that fathers also go through biological changes in their bodies. With a new baby, both parents have a major change in their everyday routine. This involves major changes in sleep, daily activities and identity. There are studies that show males also go through hormonal changes. It is well known that men’s testosterone levels decrease during birth. Researchers have found that men with lower testosterone levels had more depression. They also found that men with high testosterone levels had women partners with more depression and experienced greater relationship stress.
Researchers also observed changes in men’s brain gray matter following the birth of their first child. These neurological shifts may help fathers adapt to parenthood, though scientists note that further research is still needed.
Psychiatrist Dr. Eric Bender stated that in addition to the sleep changes, for many men this maybe the first time they are responsible for another human being. Bender added that the biggest adjustment may be that for many men they are no longer the primary person in their partner’s eyes as that position has been taken over by their offspring and they have to figure out their new identity.
Dr. Bender also noted that the state of the relationship between the parents before the baby enters the picture is important. He noted that if the relationship is solid or shaky, it will have an impact on the child, the mother and the father. He emphasized the importance of strengthening a couple’s relationship.
Dr. Bender noted that stereotypically many men do not express their feelings and it is the woman, who may recognize there is a problem.
In addition, support from other men is important. Recognizing there is a problem and getting help is what is best for a new father, mother and baby.
Dr. Veita Bland is a board-certified Greensboro physician and hypertension specialist. Dr. Bland’s radio show, “It’s a Matter of Your Health,” can be heard live on Wednesdays, 5:30 p.m. on N.C. A&T State University’s WNAA, 90.1 FM. Listeners may call in and ask questions. The show is replayed on Sirius 142 at 5 p.m. on Wed. Email Dr. Bland at ideas@blandclinicpa.com.
