(478) 796-2947 | lifesolutioncounselingservices@gmail.com

Life Solution Counseling Services

My WordPress Blog

  • Life Solution Counseling Services
  • Home
  • About
  • Services
    • ADD/ADHD Counseling
    • Anger Management
    • Career Counseling
    • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
    • Conflict Resolution
    • Counseling for Anxiety
    • Counseling for New Mothers
    • Grief & Bereavement Counseling
    • Mindfulness-Based Therapy
    • Therapy for Depression
  • Getting Started
    • Appointment Request
    • Client Forms
    • FAQs
    • Rates & Insurance
  • Resources
    • Mental Health Links
    • Physical Health Links
  • Blog
  • Contact

January 12, 2021 by JCQLNJCKSN887 Leave a Comment

Yes, New Fathers Suffer from Depression Too!

Having a baby is an event that typically brings a lot of joy and excitement for couples. However, roughly 60% of new mothers suffer from postpartum depression (PPD), with symptoms being either moderate or severe. Fortunately, PPD is a common health issue with much discussion and content outlining the symptoms and treatment.

What’s not commonly discussed is that new fathers can absolutely suffer from depression as well. While this depression is usually caused by stress and lack of sleep, and not hormonal shifts, the fact remains that men can and do suffer from PPD. In fact, according to the JAMA Network, roughly 10% of new fathers suffer from PPD.

Other research by APA has also shown that a “similar proportion” of new fathers experience some form of depression after childbirth. Since the frequency of depression is fairly similar between new mothers and new fathers, PPD can no longer be viewed as a woman’s issue.

Because of these recent findings, researchers are now recommending that both new mothers AND new fathers (or expectant mothers and fathers) get regular screenings for signs of depression. This is especially important in new mothers and fathers with a history of mental health issues in their own past, or in their family lineage.

Causes of Male PPD

A study out of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas published in the Journal of Family Issues found there were a handful of common causes of PPD in new fathers:

No Education

Fathers simply didn’t know they could suffer from PPD and so ignored any symptoms they were experiencing, instead of focusing on supporting their partner.

Gender Expectations

Many men feel the need to be “manly” and act like a “tough guy” that isn’t bothered by emotions.

Repressed Feelings

Men are often reluctant to share their feelings, let alone seek help because of them.

With these new findings, hopefully, more men will pay attention to how they are feeling and seek help should they feel depression creeping on.

If you or a loved one are a new father that is suffering from PPD and would like to explore treatment options, please get in touch with me.

 

SOURCES:

  • https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/basics/postpartum
  • https://happiful.com/new-fathers-suffer-from-post-natal-depression-at-similar-rates-to-mothers/
  • https://psychcentral.com/news/2019/03/09/new-fathers-can-also-fall-prey-to-postpartum-depression/143515.html

Filed Under: Men's Issues, Parenting

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Jacqueline Jackson, LCSW



(478) 796-2947 lifesolutioncounselingservices@gmail.com

146 Pierce Avenue
Macon, GA 31204

Schedule An Appointment

Send A Message

By submitting this form via this web portal, you acknowledge and accept the risks of communicating your health information via this unencrypted email and electronic messaging and wish to continue despite those risks. By clicking "Yes, I want to submit this form" you agree to hold Brighter Vision harmless for unauthorized use, disclosure, or access of your protected health information sent via this electronic means.

Office Hours

Office Hours are Available by Request
Request An Appointment
  • Facebook

Find My Office

Contact Information

146 Pierce Avenue
Macon, GA 31204

(478) 796-2947
lifesolutioncounselingservices@gmail.com

A Therapist Website by Brighter Vision | Privacy Policy