"I struggled with anxiety and depression and questioned whether or not I wanted to be alive anymore. It was when I hit this low that I decided to reach out and ask for the help of a licensed therapist. This decision ultimately helped save my life. You don’t have to wait for things”
Michael Phelps, competitive swimmer and Olympic champion.
What is Peri and Post-Natal Depression in Men?
While it's commonly recognised that hormonal changes, sleep deprivation, and the demands of parenting can affect both parents, men often feel pressure to remain strong and supportive, which can lead to their own emotional struggles being overlooked.
Peri-natal and post-natal depression in men—though less discussed than in women—is increasingly recognised as a significant mental health concern. Symptoms in men may differ slightly from those in women but can include emotional, behavioural, and physical signs.
Signs and Symptoms of Peri-natal and Post-natal Depression in Men.
Emotional Symptoms:
Irritability and anger: Men may show increased frustration or anger, often directed toward themselves, their partner, or others.
Sadness or hopelessness: Persistent feelings of sadness or a sense of hopelessness are common, though men may express these less openly.
Anxiety: Increased worry or anxiety, particularly regarding the new responsibilities of fatherhood.
Feeling overwhelmed: Men may feel that they’re not equipped to handle the demands of parenthood.
Low motivation and enjoyment: Loss of interest in activities they once enjoyed and a general lack of motivation.
Behavioural Symptoms:
Social withdrawal: Avoiding family, friends, or social interactions.
Increased substance use: Men with post-natal depression may turn to alcohol or other substances as a coping mechanism.
Work-related changes: Overworking to avoid home responsibilities or, conversely, struggling with productivity.
Physical Symptoms:
Fatigue: Persistent tiredness or exhaustion, even with adequate sleep.
Changes in sleep: Difficulty sleeping or, alternatively, excessive sleep as a form of escape.
Appetite changes: Eating more or less than usual, leading to noticeable weight gain or loss.
Physical aches: Unexplained headaches, back pain, or other physical discomforts.
Cognitive Symptoms:
Poor concentration: Struggling to focus or make decisions, which can affect daily tasks and work.
Negative thoughts: Persistent negative thinking, which can include self-doubt or thoughts of worthlessness.
In this episode of Mindful Musings, our resident health and fitness guru, Andy Pike, and I chat about men's mental health and in particular, Andy's experiences of peri and post-natal depression. We send our heartfelt thanks and gratitude to Andy for sharing his story.
Content warning: during this episode you will hear a discussion about suicidal thinking and mental health issues.
How can organisations help?
Recognising and addressing peri and post-natal depression is crucial for new fathers. Here are some steps to consider in your workplace:
Open Communication: Encourage conversations with new fathers about their feelings and experiences.
Join Support Groups: To help reduce feelings of isolation and provide a safe space to share experiences, build supportive network in-house for new fathers to connect with each other.
Encourage Self-Care: Prioritising self-care through activities like exercise, hobbies, or simply taking time for oneself can make a significant difference.
Signpost: Signpost towards further help, to your MHFAider team, your EAP and professional services for guidance and support.
Where to go to for help:
GP, Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
Visit pandasfoundation.org.uk for post-natal and awareness support.
Mind.org.uk 0300 102 1234
The Samaritans on 116 123
Text SHOUT to 85258
In summary
Post-natal depression in men is a serious and often overlooked issue that warrants more awareness and understanding. By acknowledging that fathers can experience emotional struggles before and after the arrival of a child, we can create a more supportive environment for everyone involved in the parenting journey. If you or someone you know are going through a tough time, it's important to reach out for help—after all, taking care of mental health is just as crucial as caring for the newest member of the family.
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