Paternal Postnatal Depression: How Men Can Beat Baby Blues

According to a study published in Frontiers in Psychiatry, paternal involvement during the first year of an infant's life is beneficial to the mental health of a father as it reduces depressive symptoms they experienced.

US researchers of this study examined the relationship among 881 low-income ethnically and a racially-diverse group of fathers and their involvement in infant parenting. They found that those who spent more time with the infant reported less paternal depressive symptoms in the first year after the birth of the child. 

Three parenting indicators were examined in this study, which includes time spent with the infant, parenting self-efficacy, and material support provided for the infant.  

A father's self-efficacy or level of confidence in his capability to care for a child, such as providing for their daily needs, is an essential factor in determining paternal involvement.

Dr. Olajide N. Bamishigbin Jr, an author of the study at California State University, said that fathers who are more involved during infancy could make them feel more competent and satisfied in their role as parents to lower depressive symptoms over time.

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The Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale (EPDS), an assessment tool for postpartum depression and anxiety, was used by experts to assess postpartum depressive symptoms among men. The assessment was conducted at regular intervals - one, six, and 12 months after birth.

All three indicators show lower rates of depressive symptoms in the fathers during the first year. Those fathers who spent four days or more with the newborn child was revealed to have lower depression scores. 

Dr. Bamishigbin urged for more lenient, and paid paternal leave policies to allow fathers more opportunity to get involved with their kids, boost their self-confidence as a parent without worrying about economic security.

Paternal Postnatal Depression (PPND)

Paternal postnatal depression is common among men after the birth of a child but may develop more slowly than maternal postnatal depression. About 1 in 4 new dads may experience PPND, and while it is a severe condition, it is treatable.

While experts say symptoms of PPND are almost similar to maternal postnatal depression, there are no diagnostic criteria yet established for PPND. Most healthcare providers will use the same tools in diagnosing maternal postnatal depression to diagnose PPND.

Biological factors such as hormonal changes and environmental factors like stress and pressure from the birth of a baby can contribute to the development of PPND.

The arrival of a new baby means increased financial responsibility and lifestyle (lack of sleep), which can trigger PPND in a new father. 

(Photo: pixabay)

PPND and Daddy Blues

Postpartum depression among men is less common than PPD in women, so this condition usually goes undiagnosed and untreated. PPND may be confused with "Daddy Blues" due to the similarities in symptoms, it is vital to know their differences so that you will know when to seek treatment.

"Daddy Blues" is when new fathers find themselves stressed and overwhelmed with the birth of a baby. These symptoms usually go away within a few days once the father can adequately manage his time and has engaged with social activities such as visiting friends. PPND, on the other hand, has more severe symptoms that last longer.

New fathers should know that experiencing these symptoms are expected due to the extreme lifestyle shift and must be proactive in seeking help for proper treatment.

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