Paternal Postnatal

Depression:
What Fathers
Depressed men often change their
Need to Know
social behavior, the following is a list How baby impacts fathers
of common symptoms:

 Social withdrawal
 Indecisiveness
 Cynicism
 Irritable mood
 Avoidance behavior
 Drinking or drug use
http://masculineheart.blogspot.com

 Extra-marital affairs
Integral Options for Men

 Partner violence
 Sleep and appetite
disturbances
 Longer days at work
Phone: 520-248-3577


Tucson, AZ

Lack of energy
 Weight loss or gain
 Strength Is Seeking Help
 Incidence of paternal depression
during the first year after childbirth
ranges from 1.2–25.5% in community
samples.
 The rate rises to 24–50% among men
whose partners are experiencing
postpartum depression.
 Overall, 14% of mothers and 10% of
fathers had moderate or severe
depressive symptoms 9 months after
childbirth.
What to do if you have symptoms Recognizing depression in the
of depression: mother of your child
1. Seek Help
The most important action is to get help from a licensed
mental health professional. Clinicians who specialize in
PPND (paternal postnatal depression) don’t really exist
yet, so find someone who specializes in work with men.
2. Talk It Out
If you’d rather not take antidepressants, talk therapy is
also very effective. Simply talking to someone else about
your problems—a counselor, a buddy, or a support
group—can help you realize you’re not alone.

3. Get Some Sleep

Lack of sleep makes depression worse. Whatever you
can do to improve your sleeping habits will help. Lack of
sleep is one of the biggest contributors to PPND.
4. Prevent It During Pregnancy
If you have relationship issues, begin couples therapy
before your baby is born. Parenting classes can ease
anxiety and fear. Most importantly, find friends and
family who will be with the baby one night a week or
provide help around the house—you need the break.
After birth, men’s hormones change, Get Help for Yourself:
too:
 Arizona Postpartum Support
 Testosterone levels go down 33% Warmline: 888-434-6667
in first 3 weeks after birth
 AZ Family Therapy & Coaching: 602-
 Estrogen levels rise 402-9510
 Prolactin levels—associated with  Postpartum dads:
breast feeding in moms—also go www.postpartumdads.org
 Postpartum Men: Online Forum
up in men  Carondelet St. Joseph's Hospital
Postpartum Depression Support Group
First occurrences of partner violence for Couples: 520-873-6858
have been found to occur 2 months  NIMH: Real Men, Real Depression:
postpartum 1-866-227-6464 or
www.menanddepression .nimh.nih.gov
The following are some of the symptoms
used to diagnose PPD in new mothers:
 Depressed or sad mood
 Loss of interest in virtually all
activities
 Significant weight loss or gain
 Insomnia or hypersomnia (excessive
sleep)
 Fatigue or loss of energy
 Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
 Diminished ability to think or
concentrate
 Recurrent thoughts of death
Get Help for Your Partner:
Arizona Warmline: (888) 434-MOMS
Postpartum Support International
www.postpartum.net
1-800-944-4PPD (4773)