PATERNAL POSTNATAL DEPRESSION AND ITS IMPACT ON MENTAL HEALTH

The birth of a child is undoubtedly a momentous occasion marked by joy, anticipation, and a whirlwind of emotions. However, amidst the celebration, the mental health of new fathers often takes a back seat. Paternal postnatal depression (PPND), also known as paternal postpartum depression, is a topic that has gained recognition in recent years, shedding light on the challenges fathers may face during the postpartum period. This article explores the intricacies of paternal postnatal depression, emphasising the role of sleep deprivation, depressed moods, and other risk factors.

Understanding Paternal Postnatal Depression in Fathers

While postpartum depression in mothers has long been acknowledged, paternal postnatal depression often goes unrecognised. The emotional rollercoaster of welcoming a new baby can trigger a range of responses in fathers, including mood swings, anxiety, and feelings of inadequacy. These symptoms collectively contribute to paternal postnatal depression, impacting not only the father's mental health but also the well-being of the entire family.

A multitude of factors can contribute to paternal postpartum depression. Here, we'll explore a few.

Changes in hormone levels

Even fathers can experience hormonal changes after the arrival of a baby. While they may not have carried the baby to term or experienced physical changes associated with birth, the new dynamic can bring many changes.

Studies have shown that compared to non-dads, new dads experience testosterone drops below average levels. These shifts coincide with increased involvement in household tasks and baby-related responsibilities. As higher testosterone levels increase a man's motivation to find partners to reproduce with and make them more attractive potential partners, it might not be the most adaptive for these new dads to have such high levels of this hormone during this time. Shifts in these hormone levels can contribute to the change in mood that new dads report feeling soon after the birth of their new baby.

Sleep deprivation

One of the primary contributors to paternal postnatal depression is sleep deprivation. The arrival of a newborn inevitably disrupts established sleep patterns, leaving both parents fatigued. Fathers, often actively involved in nighttime caregiving, may experience prolonged periods of sleep deprivation. Research suggests a strong correlation between sleep deprivation and mood disorders, amplifying the risk of depression in new fathers. Understanding and addressing the importance of adequate sleep for both parents can significantly mitigate the risk of paternal postnatal depression. Often, to combat sleep deprivation, parents or individuals co-parenting may divide the caregiving role into "shifts", allowing one another to get their respective windows of undisturbed sleep.

Feelings of disconnection from mom and baby

Often, dads may feel excluded from the newborn experience. Fathers are physically less close to their newborns in the first few months as they have not carried the baby in a womb and do not breastfeed. These two natural phenomena make it so that the mother and her baby are much closer than the baby and the father during infancy, when the baby is still largely dependent on their mothers. Dads can participate in skin-to-skin contact with their babies to increase that father-child bond and promote feelings of connectedness with their babies.

Psychological adjustment to parenthood

Becoming a parent requires significant coping skills. This can be overwhelming for mums and dads. Adjusting to parenthood can put many strains on the parents. As a couple adapts to the new dynamic of their relationship and battles with a new sleep schedule, they may also experience the financial stress of providing for their new child.

Partner's depression

Having a partner who has depression may cause an individual to develop feelings of helplessness, frustration, and sadness, which can impact the mental state of the non-depressed partner. The emotional burden of providing support and understanding for a depressed individual can contribute to increased stress and anxiety, even more so when adjusting to life with a newborn. The interconnected nature of relationships means that a partner's depression may affect communication patterns, intimacy, and overall relationship satisfaction, amplifying the risk of worsening depressive symptoms in both individuals.

Personal or family history of depression

Any history of depression or other mental illness raises the risk of prenatal or postpartum depression.

The strain to meet the demands of being a provider, partner, and caregiver can become overpowering. New fathers may find themselves entangled in conflicting emotions, which can foster sentiments of isolation and frustration.

Symptoms of postnatal depression

Postnatal depression can present differently in fathers and co-parents than in mothers. Some symptoms include:

• Irritability

• Frustration

• Anger

• Insomnia

• Feelings of stress

• Working a lot more or a lot less

• Physically or emotionally withdrawing from the family

• Engaging in risky behaviours

• Fear, uncertainty, or feelings of helplessness about the future

• Indecisiveness

Treating postpartum depression

Sometimes, self-help isn’t enough. Professional treatment may be necessary for helping individuals manage their depression. Using one or a combination of therapies may help fathers cope during the stressful pre-and-post-natal period.

Therapeutic approaches to paternal postpartum depression encompass a range of interventions aimed at addressing the unique challenges faced by new fathers. Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) is a widely utilised and effective method that assists fathers in recognising and modifying negative thought patterns and behaviours.

Support groups specifically tailored to paternal mental health provide a communal space where fathers can share experiences, exchange coping strategies, and receive guidance from mental health professionals and peers. Additionally, couple-based interventions, such as couples therapy, foster open communication between partners, helping them navigate the complexities of parenthood together. Psychoeducation, involving the provision of information about paternal postpartum depression, its symptoms, and coping mechanisms, equips fathers with the knowledge needed to manage their mental health effectively.

In some cases, medication may be considered, and a collaborative approach involving healthcare providers, therapists, and support networks ensures a comprehensive and personalised treatment plan.

Creating a nurturing environment where fathers feel at ease expressing their emotions and seeking support is pivotal in dismantling the stigma surrounding male vulnerability.

The Kusnacht Practice is equipped to treat postpartum depression. It ensures health and care excellence, providing an array of specialised mental health therapies and treatments suited to each individual with Psychotherapeutic care, Medical treatment and care, Biomolecular Restoration and Rejuvenation (BIO-R®) and Family systems therapy. Our psychiatric and medical teams are dedicated to your well-being, providing personalised therapies tailored to your individual needs and goals. Whether it be to help manage symptoms of postpartum depression or other mental health concerns, our team is there to support you.

Consider getting in touch to find out how we can help.