Many people are aware that mothers can suffer from postpartum depression. However, fathers can also develop postpartum depression. In fact, about one in ten men suffer from postpartum depression after the birth of their children.
But because most people are not aware of this, many men with postpartum depression struggle in silence. They do not always recognize that their feelings of deep sadness, pessimism, and irritability could actually be symptoms of postpartum depression.
Where can men with postpartum depression turn if they need help? Here are a few things that fathers dealing with this issue can do to find the support they need.
Turn to Your Partner
First, it’s important to share your feelings with your partner. While you both have lots of new responsibilities, and they will not be able to act as your sole support system, you need to let them know what you’ve been dealing with.
Living with postpartum depression can be debilitating for both women and men, and partners need to work as a team in order to address the issue and begin the healing process.
Talk to the Men in Your Life
Men can have trouble opening up about their emotions, especially to other men. But if you’ve just become a father, you’re probably feeling overwhelmed by your new role - and even if they haven’t said so, the other fathers in your life probably felt the same way.
In fact, this is true for your own father as well! If you have friends with children, you can reach out to them to ask how they dealt with difficult emotions when they became fathers. And you can also talk to your own father and how he handled the many challenges that come along with parenthood.
Ask Your Loved Ones For Help
You and your partner might feel you’re struggling to keep up with all of your obligations because neither of you has enough support. By finding childcare, you can enjoy some time to yourself and take well -deserved breaks from working and caring for your children around the clock.
You may want to hire a babysitter for date nights or talk to your parents about babysitting. While this is not a cure for postpartum depression, it can definitely help alleviate the worst of your symptoms when you know that you have people to rely on.
Pursue Therapy
Postpartum depression can be a very serious condition. Connecting with your loved ones and reaching out to your partner are steps in the right direction. But you should also consider seeking therapy if you are struggling.
A therapist can help you identify the roots of your symptoms and your fears. They can work with you as an individual or work with you and your partner together to focus on solutions.
Through therapy, you can start envisioning a brighter future for yourself, your partner, and your child.
Consider A Support Group
Yes, postpartum depression support groups for fathers exist! While the idea of attending support group meetings can seem intimidating, these groups can be very welcoming and compassionate.
You’ll be able to connect with other men who have been facing similar problems and share what you’ve been going through. They may offer you advice, or simply a shoulder to lean on.
A support group can become an oasis for you when you’re going through a difficult time. It’s always worth checking out a meeting to see if it suits you. You may even make some good friends.
Are you a father struggling with postpartum depression? Working with a therapist can help. Reach out to me today to discuss your options for scheduling your first session.