It turns out that fathers can also get postpartum depression & bull; hello healthy

Being a new parent is not easy. That is why many new parents suffer from postpartum depression. However, so far it is more widely known to experience postpartum depression or postpartum depression is a woman who has given birth. Apparently, not only women who can experience it. Men can suffer from depression after their wives give birth to their children. This clinical condition is also called postpartum depression in men. To find out the causes, signs, and how to deal with it, consider carefully the following explanation.

Postpartum depression in men

Depression that occurs after the birth of a baby is a fairly common condition in women. Whereas in men, the prevalence is known to be one in 10 people. This condition strikes the new father at different times for each person. There are men who already show symptoms of postpartum depression in the first trimester of their wife's pregnancy, but there are also those who just feel depression when their child is born or a few weeks after that. Postpartum depression in boys can last for months, even up to a year after the birth of the baby.

Much like depression experienced by women after childbirth, postpartum depression in men also causes feelings of excessive anxiety, fear, sadness, and emptiness. The days of being a new parent that should be fun and full of love turn dark and full of tension. Unfortunately, this condition is invisible and has not been discussed as openly as postpartum depression in women. As a result, many men who experience postpartum depression don't really know what they're going through. They also tend to ignore this condition for granted. In fact, postpartum depression in men will be bad for the little one if left untreated.

Signs of postpartum depression in men

Detecting symptoms of postpartum depression in men is a challenge in itself. The reason is, most men tend to cover up or harbor the symptoms they feel. In addition, the symptoms experienced by men also usually appear gradually and slowly, so it is a bit difficult to know where the boundaries of postpartum depression and ordinary stress are. However, you can observe the following signs.

Loss of sex drive, either with a partner or in general
Unhealthy habits appear, such as smoking, drinking alcohol, speeding while driving, or taking drugs
Irritable, sad, irritated, irritable, and loses temper
Always think negatively, especially about newborns, for example whether your baby is breathing normally, can sleep, or is developing as it should
Not interested in the things he used to be interested in
Finding reasons not to be home with the baby, for example by working late into the night, attending office events outside the city, or looking for a side job in his spare time
Avoiding social interactions with family, friends, neighbors, or coworkers
Difficulty concentrating and easy to forget
Changes in diet and sleep patterns
Impaired bodily functions such as digestive problems, headaches, itchy skin, and muscle pain for no apparent reason
Often cry or be silent
Tendency to commit violent acts such as throwing or slamming objects, punching walls, or physically hurting others
Suicidal thoughts occurred

Trigger factors for postpartum depression in fathers

Postpartum depression in boys can hit anyone, whether it's a father-to-be who was excited about the birth of his baby or simply not ready to become a new father. It is important to remember that depression is not a self-created condition and is not the result of a person's character flaws. Postpartum depression also doesn't mean new fathers don't feel affection for their babies. Depression is a medical condition that is triggered by the following things.

Hormonal changes such as decreased testosterone and increased estrogen
Lack of sleep
Financial problems
The pressure of being a father is immense from family, relatives, spouse, or yourself
Family history of depression or previous depression
Less close relationship with partner
Wives who also experience postpartum depression

Then what can be done?

If you or your partner have had postpartum depression in boys, talk to your family or someone you trust. Sharing about the burdens you feel will really help you understand the nature of depression that attacks. That way, you can overcome depression more quickly and accurately. If talking to someone you believe is not very helpful, you can seek professional help, such as a psychologist, counselor, or psychiatrist. You may be advised to undergo therapy or be prescribed an antidepressant to reduce anxiety.

Lifestyle changes are also important to speed up recovery. Start exercising regularly, eat a balanced diet, stop smoking or drinking alcohol, and get enough sleep. You can also practice simple relaxation techniques such as taking deep breaths whenever an urge to get angry, inhaling aromatherapy essential oils, or meditating.

Getting to know and spending more time with your baby can also help relieve postpartum depression in boys. With quality time together, you will build a stronger bond with your baby so that your anxiety will gradually subside. If you are never separated from your baby, try to spend some private time without your baby every now and then. You can be alone with your partner or hang out with your friends.