When it comes to experiencing postpartum depression, mothers may not be the only ones suffering from the ‘baby blues’.According to Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit, fathers can also feel the effects of depression in the year after a baby is born. The risk of men developing postpartum depression is often overlooked, but research
shows more one in 10 fathers can suffer from Paternal Postnatal Depression, a problem as serious as diabetes or a heart condition.
“Having a baby is supposed to be a joyous event, but for some parents, both moms and dads, the experience can lead to serious anxiety, guilt and depression,” says Jennifer Kurpjuweit, a Family Health Nurse with the HKPR District Health Unit
Approximately one in five women will experience symptoms of postpartum depression, a medical condition that can strike without warning, affecting women regardless of their health, income or family situation. Kurpjuweit says many fathers are also at risk of postpartum depression, a number that may be higher than people expect. She cites research by University of Toronto associate professor Dr. Cindy-Lee Dennis (www.cindyleedennis.ca), who estimates more than one in 10 fathers can also feel the effects of depression in the year after a baby is born.
“In helping mothers deal with postpartum depression, we need to ensure fathers are not forgotten,” says Kurpjuweit. “A lot of men will suffer in silence with the baby blues, believing they can get over it themselves. In fact, postpartum depression can be just as devastating for men.”
Postpartum depression in fathers, also known as Paternal Postnatal Depression, can be as serious as diabetes or a heart condition, she adds. If left untreated, in both men and women, postpartum depression can have serious consequences for the baby and the entire family.
Paternal Postnatal Depression Symptoms
Symptoms of Paternal Postnatal Depression in men include: anger, anxiety, panic, suicidal thoughts, loss of interest in hobbies and sex, impulsive behaviour, increased alcohol consumption, and lack of sleep. Helping fathers get counselling to deal with their depression is important, as is encouraging them to get enough sleep, eat healthy and be physically active on a regular basis. “Fathers who experience the effects of postpartum depression should know that they are not alone, and that there are many local supports to help them through it,” Kurpjuweit adds.
To find out more about resources for dealing with postpartum depression, area residents are encouraged to call the Health Unit at 1-866-888-4577 or visit www.hkpr.on.ca.
Resources:
The Other Half: Fathers, Like Mothers, Can Also Suffer Problems With Postpartum Depression www.hkpr.on.ca June 13.2011
Hands Together by Vera Kratochvil June 13.2011
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