Postpartum Depression (Fathers/Partners)
Postpartum Depression? But I didn’t have a baby!
Postpartum Depression is a depression that can occur during pregnancy or within the year following the birth of a child. While more commonly acknowledged in birthing parents (maternal postpartum depression), fathers or partners (paternal postpartum depression) can also experience it.
Symptoms of maternal and paternal depression can vary. You may experience some or all of the symptoms and at different levels of intensity. Research has identified that paternal postpartum depression symptoms tend to develop more slowly and gradually over the first year with peak onset at 3-6 months after childbirth. Paternal Postpartum symptoms are less likely to be what is expected as a typical depression and present as:
- Anger or irritability
- Violent or aggressive behaviour
- Withdrawing from relationships
- Loss of interest in hobbies and regular activities
- Increase in impulsive or risk-taking behaviour, including turning to substances such as alcohol or prescription drugs
- Increase in focus on work or other distractions
Prevention and Treatment
Self-care is key to protecting your overall health and well-being. It may help protect against depression and anxiety as well as help to treat it. Remembering the term NESTS can help you recall the basic steps of self-care to reduce stress and make you feel better:
- Nutrition – try to eat nutritious food when you can.
- Exercise – try to get some activity every day.
- Sleep and rest – try to get as much sleep as possible and rest when you can.
- Time for yourself – take a few moments each day to care for yourself.
- Support – ask for help from others when needed.
Screening of partners for depression is becoming more routine in healthcare settings. However, unfamiliarity with postpartum depression among fathers/partners continues to exist which means that it is common for it to be undiagnosed and left untreated.
Effective treatment is available
Maternal or paternal postpartum depression can be a severe condition, but it is treatable. If you are experiencing symptoms or you notice someone you care about is experiencing signs of depression, talk with them about it. Support them in reaching out for help. Reach out yourself if you need support.
It is important to get treatment for depression. Getting help early can help reduce how long the depression lasts. The sooner you get treated, the sooner you will feel better.
Services related to this information:
- Contact your Public Health Nurse
- Doorways: rapid ‘one session at a time’ counselling services.
- Mental health and addictions services
- Bridge the gapp
Newfoundland and Labrador’s ‘go-to’ website for mental health information. Bridge the gapp offers self-help resources, links to local services, and invites people to share their personal stories. Bridge the gapp is free of cost and available to every resident in the province. The site is divided into adult and youth sections, however many services are appropriate for both.- 811 HealthLine (Newfoundland & Labrador) – Call 811 or 1-888-709-2929 / TTY 1-888-709-3555
- 811 is free and confidential. 811 is available 24/7 and can provide support with mental health and addictions issues and more.
- Services formerly offered by the Provincial Mental Health Crisis Line are now offered by 811. Call 811 to speak with a registered nurse who is also a trained crisis intervener.