Remember the day you saw your baby for the first time? Remember the mixed feelings of pride, excitement and love? It might have been a remarkable day of your life. No joy can be compared with the joy of becoming a father.
Taking care of your baby is a joyous thing to do. At the same time, it can be a challenging task too. It demands more time and sometimes health too. Oftentimes, you may have to
- Give up on your sleep
- Constantly cater to the baby’s requirements
- Feed the baby when partner is not around
- Be at baby’s disposal even after a long day at the office
Over a period of time, caring for the baby can become a daunting task. Specifically, after three months of the baby, utmost of men do experience a few symptoms of postpartum depression.
According to a study, 1 in 10 father worldwide suffer from moderate to severe postpartum depression
What Is Postpartum Depression?
Postpartum depression is a type of depression experienced by a mother or a father after having their first baby. The individual starts to feel early indications of postpartum depression symptoms during the first three months.
Particularly, in men, it often goes undiagnosed. Many reasons to it. In the Indian scenario, especially - the concept of ‘mard ko dard nahi hota’, is still prevalent. Secondly, after the baby is born, all the attention goes to the baby and the mother, and little or no focus is given on the father’s health or well-being. Also, the symptoms of postpartum depression may seem like everyday stress, hence it is difficult to spot.
As mentioned earlier, our society holds the myth: Men can handle tough situations!, In reality, men are more prone to suffer stress! So how to recognize postpartum depression in men?
Here Are The Signs Of Postpartum Depression In Men
The person often experiences a drastic change in the mood from low to high and vice-versa. At times they feel happy and all of sudden they feel moody.
The individual experiences a significant change in their eating habits. They may binge eat or eat very little. Loss of appetite is one of the key signs of depression.
Factors like disrupted sleep, long day care might and office stress collectively may make a person feel exhausted. As a result, they may not able to focus on the tasks they feel lack of concentration.
One may withdraw socially and even from the family while experiencing postpartum depression. They may choose to spend more time aloof and by themselves. They may also experience loneliness.
Postpartum depression, especially in men, can manifest into physical symptoms easily for men.
Some of them a headache, digestive issues and bodily pains, gastric issues. These are more easily identifiable.
They may lose enthusiasm in the pursuits such as work, hobbies and socializing. There is a drastic drop of interest in things they seem to have enjoyed earlier.
Mention about low self-esteem in the para
Often they feel they aren’t their best as a parent. They feel low and guilty by comparing themselves to others, they may show concern about their drop in productivity and low motivation level.
Some Of The Causes Of Postpartum Depression In Men
- Personal or family history of depression
- Preoccupied worry of being a parent
- Unable to balance the roles of being a father and working professional
- Financial concerns
- Lack of family and social support
- Having a strained relationship with the partner
Postpartum depression in men is real! Do not ignore it! If it isn't addressed at the right time, it may lead to other mental health conditions.
Early interventions will help you deal with the symptoms better and faster. This can be done with the help of professional intervention with the right treatment methods. For inquiries call us @ +91 97414 76476 or visit us www.cadabamshospitals.com
