Yes, Dads Can Get Postpartum Depression Too

It seems like the world has just started paying attention to the very real effects postpartum depression may have on women. As people are waking up to this mood disorder, we’re learning that moms aren’t the only ones who struggle after giving birth — apparently, dads can also feel their own version of postpartum depression.

I know what you’re thinking: men are so greedy — they can’t just let women have anything. While that was my first reaction, I soon realized that there was actual scientific evidence to back this up — and it’s more prevalent than you’d think. According to reporting done by CBS, about 10% of men are susceptible to postpartum depression.

Postpartum manifests in women as symptoms of fatigue, anxiety, and sadness or anger. And for men, it’s not that far off.

Image Credit: The CW

What Does Postpartum Depression Look Like In Men?

Everyone is tired as a new parent (well if you’re actually being a good partner and doing your share), so while that may seem like a less obvious result of postpartum depression, other symptoms in men include irritability or anger, a loss of interest in typical activities, an increase in work (usually to distract yourself), withdrawing from family and friends, and sadness. According to the Cleveland Clinic, men who have a history of depression may be at greater risk of postpartum depression.

Why Do Men Get Postpartum Depression?

When you think about the essence of postpartum depression, it has to do with the fact that a once-pregnant person is no longer pregnant — and the child that they were literally growing in their own body is no longer there. Along with dealing with the taxing demands of motherhood, they also have to reckon with something that was literally part of them for almost 10 months being out in the world. That’s a lot to deal with. Considering all of that, you might be wondering, “Well, then why do men get postpartum depression?” It’s a little more complicated for new dads.

Men typically experience postpartum depression the most three to six months after their partner gives birth. Think about the myriad of new things they’re dealing with: becoming a new parent, being a partner to someone who just gave birth (and any relationship issues that may arise), a chaotic and mostly likely disturbed sleeping schedule, potential financial concerns now that they have a new kid, and so much more.

Though men do see hormonal changes (their testosterone levels actually decrease after their partner’s pregnancy), it’s not as severe as the hormonal changes you see in new moms. But you know how experts are always touting skin-to-skin contact between mothers and their babies? Well, apparently, that same skin-to-skin can help release oxytocin in fathers, too.

So, while it’s true that new moms are bearing the brunt of childbirth and parenthood, let’s not totally leave the new dads in the dust.