Paternal postpartum depression
Hey, dads! Just because you didn’t give birth doesn’t mean you can’t experience the most common pregnancy complication; paternal postpartum depression.
There’s a big push to get new and expecting moms to recognize the signs of postpartum depression, which is now referred to as perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs).
But according to scientists, fathers can experience PMADs too, and it’s nothing to be embarrassed about. Research shows one-in-ten new dads has postpartum depression, and up to 18% develop a clinically-significant anxiety disorder such as generalized anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder or post-traumatic stress disorder during the pregnancy or first year of the baby’s life.
Psychologist Tiffany Ruffin, PsyD, works with pregnant people in the high risk pregnancy clinic at UH. Dr. Ruffin said that it makes sense that men can also develop PMADs. “Dads, like moms, are dealing with sleep deprivation, while feeling a lack of control and huge life changes,” said Dr. Ruffin. “They stress about finances and how pregnancy has changed their relationship with their partner. Men also experience hormonal changes, specifically related to stress hormones.”
Dr. Ruffin said it’s important for parents, both mothers and fathers, to recognize the symptoms of PMADs in themselves and each other, so they can get help. If you are a new parent, here are some warning signs to watch out for:
- Avoiding friends’ texts and calls
- Working longer hours to avoid going home
- Increasing and/or starting alcohol and drug use
- Acting impulsively or taking risks you normally wouldn’t
- Feeling angry, on edge, and/or irritable
- You might also feel the kind of anxiety that stops you from thinking about anything else, experience panic attacks or a constant sense of dread and fear.
If you’re not a new parent, but a friend or family member wondering how to help, Dr. Ruffin suggests doing the following:
- Be authentic and genuine. If you don’t know what to say, tell them, ‘I’m not sure what to say but I want to support you.’
- Offer to run errands, clean up or make a meal.
- Call/text/check in with them regularly and don’t take it personally if they aren’t as responsive as they used to be.
- Remind them that there’s no shame in getting professional help.
You can text or call (both in English or Spanish) the National Maternal Mental Health Line at 1-833-852-6262. Help is available in 24/7.
If you have immediate thoughts of hurting yourself, call 9-8-8 or 9-1-1.