Postpartum depression also affects fathers

Postpartum depression can affect all parents without exception. It is estimated today that this disease affects between 15 and 20% of women in France, but men are not immune to it. According to data published by the newspaper Le Monde, between 8 and 10% of new fathers in the world are also affected by this psychological disorder. Unsurprisingly, the length of paternity leave would have had an impact on his symptoms.

Postpartum depression in parents

We say it, we repeat it and we begin to integrate it: far from the candid clichés of cloudless happiness, the birth of a child often upsets everything in its path. Postpartum depression and perinatal mental disorders are increasingly better understood in women, but men still go under the radar too often. However, as psychiatrist Sarah Tebeka explains, the arrival of a baby can shake both parents:

We can draw a parallel between fathers and mothers: precariousness, psychiatric history, a difficult pregnancy, social upheaval or lack of sleep that occurs with the arrival of a baby are all factors that can trigger PPD in both parents.

Sarah Tebeka, Le Monde, 4 January 2023

But, obliges gender society, where mothers feel tiredness and sadness above all, men express their discomfort through anger and irritability.

How to prevent postpartum depression in fathers?

Men of childbearing age still find it very difficult to ask for help, even if they more readily admit the benefit of psychological support… For others. Their coping strategies may therefore include risky behaviors.

They also develop behaviors of alcoholism or consumption of illicit products.

Sarah Tebeka, Le Monde, 4 January 2023

Dangerous practices that can anchor addictions that will be extremely difficult to get rid of later.

If the extension of paternity leave seemed evidently positive for the mental health of the Darons, a study by INSERM has just confirmed it, with figures to back it up. The results indicate that 5.7% of fathers who avoided paternity leave developed depression, compared with 4.5% of fathers who took advantage of their 28 days.
The study insists on the precocity of this judgment in risk prevention. Fathers who intend to take parental leave after the first two months of life are still 4.8% who have declared depression.

If perinatal mental disorders are widespread, and fortunately very well treated, this study demonstrates how important it is for parents to benefit from a favorable environment to start their new life serenely.

Photo credit image of one: Annakraynova