5 Things To Know About Postnatal Depression In Men

Postnatal depression in men is more common than we think. Increasing evidence demonstrates that adjusting to a newborn baby also impacts men. According to the Australian Men’s Health Forum, it’s estimated that 10% of new parents suffer from postnatal depression. So here are five things you need to know:

#1 – Postnatal depression in men often goes undiagnosed.
Men and those around them usually think that the lack of sleep, irritability and conflicting thoughts are part of the adjustment to having a newborn baby. So men typically don’t seek help to be correctly screened and diagnosed.

#2 – First-time dads are particularly vulnerable to postnatal depression.
The number of men who become depressed in the first year after becoming a dad is double that of the general population.
Research shows that one in ten dads-to-be will also become depressed during their partner’s pregnancy.

#3 – Different factors can impact dad’s mental health.
Financial worries, marital conflict, alcohol or drug abuse, and a history of depression or anxiety can trigger a dad’s postnatal depression.

#4 – A dad’s postnatal depression can have different symptoms:
– Insomnia.
– Negative parent behaviour or conflicting thoughts about the newborn.
– Partner violence or marital conflict.
– Withdrawal from family, work and social environment.
– Irritability, anger, confusion, fear and uncertainty.
– Physical health is also impacted, so new dads can feel indigestion, weight fluctuation, headaches, toothaches, diarrhoea and nausea.

#5 Postnatal depression in dads can have an impact on children.
A parent affected by depression can have long-term consequences on kids’ development. For example, those whose fathers show signs of depression in the first year “will have three times the risk of behavioural problems in preschool”. nct.org.uk also estimates that twice of children with postnatal depression parents will suffer the risk of mental health problems once at school.

We can all do our part to help spread the word about the importance of screening dads. But, first, let’s make it normal for fathers to care for themselves so they can care for their families. If you know a new dad but are unsure how to reach out, a pair of Don Sox can be the perfect conversation starter!

Support is also available at:

Lifeline on 13 11 14
MensLine on 1300 78 99 78
BeyondBlue on 1300 22 4636
SuicideCallBackService on 1300 659 467
PANDA on 1300 726 306