A Note to New Dads - You might think you're just irritable but you could be depressed.
You might not want to hear this, but if you're not feeling so good since having a baby, it's possible that you may be experiencing symptoms of depression. It has been shown that 8-13% of all new dads experience symptoms of a clinical depression after the birth of a baby. (Wainwright, Caskey,Rodriguez, et al, 2023).
Not only is it more common than we ever knew but if you think about it, it makes sense that some of the same factors that are contributing to a woman's depression may impact you, too. If you don't like the way you are feeling or think that something's just not right, think about this:
Some of the factors in your life that may contribute to feelings of depression
Personal history of depression/anxiety
Family history of depression/anxiety
History of alcohol or drug dependence
History of obsessive-compulsive tendencies
Change or dissatisfaction with job
Financial pressures
Sleep disturbances
Marital discord
Insufficient support network
Ambivalence about your role as father
Impaired relationship with your own father or mother
Depression doesn't always feel like you think it would
Some people do experience deep sadness and feelings of hopelessness and worthlessness. But you might also (or instead) be feeling:
Irritable
Unable to sleep
Anxious
Disinterested in pleasurable activities
Distractible
Frustrated or short-tempered
Reckless or impulsive
Alone or cut off from others
Tempted to spend time away from home
Disillusioned
Excessively worried about finances
Displeased with your job
Dissatisfied with your marriage
Rejected by your wife
Critical of yourself or others
Angry or overly reactive
Restless and/or exhausted
If your wife is depressed
If you wife is currently being treated for postpartum depression, you may be feeling additional pressure to "keep it together" while she is recovering. That's understandable. Depending on your relationship with your wife, how she is currently doing and how bad you are feeling, it makes sense that you would need to balance what you need to do for yourself and what you need to do for your wife. But remember, you will be more helpful to her if you are strong and healthy so don't sacrifice your well-being at this time. The last thing she needs to worry about is how you are doing. So do what you need to do to take care of yourself.
What you might do that will NOT help
Deny that you are feeling bad
Try to ignore your feelings
Hope that this will take care of itself in time
Spend more time away from the house
Hide what you are feeling
Withdraw from friends/family
Think faulty thoughts such as: strong men don't get sick, OR, depression is a weakness
Work longer hours
Spend more time acting-out, ex:staying out late, going out after work, drinking more
Snap at others around you who are trying to support you
Reject help
What you can (and should!) do
Let others know how you are feeling.
Confide in someone you trust.
Contact a healthcare provider that you feel comfortable with.
If you are interested in therapy, ask someone for a referral.
Do not let your financial concerns get in the way of you seeking help.
Do not expect to feel better right away.
Participate in sports or mild exercise.
Put off making major decisions at this time.
Why it's hard to get help
You'd rather not tell anyone how you are feeling.
You'd rather believe this is just normal crankiness that will go away with a good night's sleep.
You'd rather acknowledge that all new dads are exhausted and feel this way.
It feels easier not to deal with it.
Men tend to be less willing to acknowledge their emotional symptoms.
Men are more likely to suppress their depression through the use of alcohol or other substances.
Why it's important that you DO get help
Depression is a serious medical condition that affects your whole body, your mood, and your thoughts.
Everyone in your family needs you to be healthy.
When you take care of yourself, your wife will feel better, your baby will feel better, and YOU will feel better.
If you are worried about the way you are feeling, ask for help so you can receive the treatment you need to get back on track.
Image from GOOD MOMS HAVE SCARY THOUGHTS Written by Karen Kleiman Illustrated by Molly McIntyre
Copyright © postpartumstress.com
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