Paternal postpartum depression is a very real condition that can happen any time after the birth or adoption of a baby. Many people don’t realize that one in ten dads develop depression. It may start during your partner’s pregnancy, go away after the baby’s birth, and come back 3-6 months later. In fact research shows that fathers often start to develop depressive symptoms later in the postpartum period compared to mothers.
June 18th, 2018 is International Fathers’ Mental Health Day
You may feel:
- overwhelmed with work and financial worries
- stressed with caring for your new baby and the rest of the family
- tired and frustrated that your partners’ depression isn’t going away
- lonely and left out because family and friends may only ask about your partner and baby and not ask about how you are doing
- wanting to be alone and pull away from family and friends
Be aware of these feelings and don’t ignore them, you may be experiencing postpartum depression.
7 Tips on taking care of yourself:
- Tell your partner how you are feeling. It is normal to feel helpless and worry that you are unable to help her
- Get support from family and friends. You may feel frustrated because you were not ready to deal with postpartum depression
- Eat healthy foods
- Think about getting counselling
- Get enough sleep
- Be active
- See your doctor if you begin to feel depressed, paternal postpartum depression is very real.
Don’t ignore your own needs…you are a part of her recovery!
Here’s a video on how partners play an important role in providing support and how they can take care of themselves:
Check out our website for more information. If you have any concerns or questions about paternal postpartum depression, connect with your health care provider and feel free to eChat with a nurse or call (416) 338-7600.
