1. Recognizing the Symptoms of Postpartum Depression in Men
If you're a new father who's been battling depression since the birth of your child, you're not alone. Approximately 10 percent of dads each year suffer from postpartum depression--a condition once reserved only for the new mom. Symptoms generally begin two to three weeks after the baby's birth and could last over a year.
Postpartum depression is expressed differently in men and women. While women tend to experience extreme sadness, emptiness and a disconnection with the child, men tend to express their feelings through irritability, aggression, solitude and even hostility. You may find yourself longing to spend time alone immersed in your favorite activities or less willing to interact with your new child.
2. Taking Care of Yourself First
We've all heard that we need to take care of ourselves before we can take care of others, but with a new baby, that advice often goes unheard. It is not uncommon for men to feel overwhelmed with the responsibility of caring for a child. These feelings, combined with a lack of sleep and improper exercise can take a serious toll on you. If you're suffering from postpartum depression, make it a point to take care of yourself by eating right, exercising and trying to get an adequate amount of sleep. Many times these small steps will ease the symptoms of depression and make you able to enjoy this precious time with your new baby.
3. The Importance of Treating Postpartum Depression
It is critical that you get help for your depression as soon as you start recognizing the signs. Not only is depression bad for your health, but it will have a big impact on the health and well-being of your family, too. Your partner will not receive the support she needs as a new mother and your baby will not benefit from the positive interaction that occurs between father and child. In fact, studies have proven that the care of a child suffers when one or more parents suffer from postpartum depression. These children are less likely to be put on their backs to sleep, more likely to be put to bed with a bottle and take part in less enrichment activities with their parents.
