Study finds postpartum depression is also experienced by fathers

A new life brings immense joy and happiness to the family. However, sometimes it's not just that simple, and postpartum depression is one of the representations of it. Even dads can experience this condition.

A study published in the BMC on pregnancy and childbirth screened fathers for postpartum depression in a maternal-child health clinic.

After a long time, we have been able to increase our understanding of mental health concerns post-pregnancy. Although the primary focus has been on maternal mental well-being, we need more studies that focus on the health of both parents.

Father's mental health is just as important as the mother's. (Image via Freepik/ Freepik)

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Study findings of postpartum depression in men

What are the effects of postpartum on men? (Image via Freepik/ Freepik)

According to the study findings, even fathers were eager to participate in the screening for depression in postpartum. While the sample was small, many participants in the study displayed symptoms of postpartum depression (PPD). They were also more resistant to seeking mental health services.

While we acknowledge the pressures and changes faced by mothers, they are not less for men. They can be equally scared and anxious about this new transition. Society always has stringent expectations about the role a father has to play in the family. They are expected to still maintain the work-life balance and perhaps think about the future of the new-born child.

Sometimes, husbands don't want to speak about the chaos in their internal world since it may further add to the wife's concerns. This stops them from seeking help when they need it the most and they choose to suffer in silence.

When fathers decide to seek help, they also do so much in return for their families. In fact, the father's mental health can be a major determinant of the mother's mental well-being. At the end of the day, they exist in a system and constantly impact each other.

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The connection between men and postpartum depression is not a common one. The study shows the importance of screening for mental health concerns, especially PPD in men even in a primary clinic. Early diagnosis and education allow fathers to become more open to seeking mental health services.

This study is an excellent starter to conversations around father's mental health. Postpartum depression can affect an individual to the core. Without love and support, their world can come crashing down.

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Janvi Kapur is a counselor with a Master's degree in applied psychology with a specialization in clinical psychology.