Even those who have recently become a dad can experience symptoms of depression.
Don't store avocado like this: it's dangerousPostpartum depression, who said it only affects new mothers? The male sphere can also be affected and even those who have recently become a father can experience symptoms of severe tiredness, sadness and anxiety that follow the arrival of a baby.
To say it is an Indiana University study published in Jama Pediatrics, according to which even fathers of young children may be as likely as new mothers to experience symptoms of depression, so they too should be screened for this type of problem.
In fact, some studies had already shown that postpartum depression is not just for mothers. The father also suffers from it, even with possible consequences for the child's development. Two scientific articles - here and here - had stated that this disorder can affect about 10% of fathers in any corner of the earth. Typically, depression affects them in the first year of the baby's life, peaking between three months and six months, while they seem less at risk in the immediate postnatal period.
The American researchers examined data from depression screening carried out in more than 9500 visits to pediatric clinics, which showed that 4,4% of fathers were positive for the disorder, while among mothers the percentage increased to 5%. Previous research, the researchers recall, has shown that children with depressed fathers have a greater risk, similar to what is found if the mother has depression, of having symptoms of depression themselves as teenagers.
“The fact that so many new fathers have this problem is significant - says Erika Cheng, a pediatric researcher at the Indiana University School of Medicine in Indianapolis and lead author of the study - because depression can have serious consequences if left untreated. We know that depressed fathers are less close to their children, and this can lead to cognitive and behavioral problems ”.
"Dads experiencing symptoms of depression - which include sadness, irritability, agitation and anger - shouldn't hide their feelings, because professional help is available."
And this refers to screening: About one in four mothers experience depression during pregnancy or with newborn children, and while many women may be screened during antenatal visits or postnatal check-ups, men may not necessarily have the same access. at screening.
Because parental depression can have detrimental effects on physical and mental health for young children, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that everyone - both mothers and fathers - be screened for depression during baby checkups.
Symptoms of postpartum depression in new fathers
They are generally very similar to those of the mother:
- state of felling
- sadness
- insomnia or other sleep disturbances
- desire for isolation
- difficulty concentrating and working efficiently
- sense of inadequacy with respect to the relationship with the partner and with the child
To all this we can also add a sense of exclusion from the mother-child relationship and financial worries, which can negatively affect the quality of the relationship with the new baby.
And then, beyond the screenings that are then necessary, even men must not be ashamed of appearing fragile and rather externalize their fears or feelings, in order to save the new wonderful life that has just enlarged the family.
Read also
- Absent father and not very affectionate: the negative consequences for the children
- Postpartum depression: Mothers who give birth in the winter and spring are less at risk
Germana Carillo
