Pregnancy and depression – not just for women

It’s not uncommon for women to experience changing emotions during and/or after pregnancy – perhaps feeling moody or tearful or angry from time to time. The feelings are most likely caused by a hormone imbalance, although other factors like pregnancy sickness, anxieties over coping with motherhood, and economic/relationship concerns can also contribute.

‘Perinatal depression’ is the term used to describe both prenatal depression before the baby’s born and postnatal depression afterwards. However – it’s not just women who can experience these feelings.

Postnatal depression (PND)

PND is a common problem, affecting more than 1 in every 10 women within a year of giving birth. Many women feel a bit down, tearful or anxious in the first week after giving birth. This is often called the “baby blues” and is hormone related. It is so  common that it’s considered normal and usually doesn’t last for more than two weeks after giving birth. However, if symptoms last longer or start later it could be PND.

Signs include:

  • a persistent feeling of sadness and low mood
  • lack of enjoyment and loss of interest in the wider world
  • lack of energy and feeling tired all the time
  • trouble sleeping at night and feeling sleepy during the day
  • difficulty bonding with the baby
  • withdrawing from contact with other people
  • problems concentrating and making decisions
  • frightening thoughts – for example, about hurting the baby

Many women  don’t realise they have PND, because it can develop very gradually and in the mix of sleep deprivation and altered routines, it’s sometimes hard to remember what being ‘normal’ feels like.

Male PND

It’s estimated that a third of new fathers experience some form of PND and estimates by the National Childbirth Trust are that 3/4 of new fathers worry about their partner’s mental health whilst only 1/3 worry about their own mental health. As is the case for Mums, Dads who have had depression or suffered from anxiety previously are more at risk. Even the process of witnessing the birth can cause post-traumatic stress symptoms by seeing their loved one in pain and distress. Fatherhood itself has dramatically changed in the past generation, with more stay-at-home dads and single dads bringing up their children alone, but little has changed in terms of what support is offered and available. There are currently no routine screening tests in place for fathers.

How men  respond to the symptoms of PND may vary to how women respond. Symptoms may include:

  • drinking too much and too frequently
  • other substance abuse
  • anger and overreacting to small irritations, with feelings of guilt for doing so
  • avoidance of the problem completely – including denial
  • overeating/comfort eating or going off food altogether
  • a change in activity levels – feeling tired and lethargic
  • self harm
  • over working and taking no interest in the outside world

(alongside the more usual symptoms of feeling very low, or despondent and that there’s no hope).

A piece of research which looked at a collection of 43 studies found an average 10% of fathers were depressed both pre- and postnatally, with the peak time for fathers’ depression being between three and six months after the birth. For more information on this study click here.

What causes postnatal depression?

The cause isn’t completely clear. Some factors include:

  • a history of mental health problems, particularly depression, earlier in life
  • a history of mental health problems during the pregnancy
  • having no close family or friends for support
  • a poor relationship
  • recent stressful life events, such as a bereavement
  • experiencing the “baby blues”

Even if none of these symptoms is present – having a baby is a life-changing event that can sometimes just trigger depression in people who’ve never had any other problems. It takes time to adapt to becoming a new parent and looking after a small baby can be stressful and exhausting.

Can postnatal depression be prevented?

Although there have been several studies looking at preventing postnatal depression, there is no evidence that there’s anything specific that can be done do to prevent the condition developing, apart from maintaining as healthy a lifestyle as possible. If there is a history of depression or mental health problems, or if there’s a family history of mental health problems after childbirth, the GP or midwife and/or the mental health team should be informed so they can offer appropriate monitoring and early onset treatment if necessary.

Getting help

Despite the barriers to admitting you need help, getting help sooner rather than later is the best thing anyone can do in this situation. The stigma around all types of mental illness or impairment are hugely socially significant, but there is so much that can be done to help – and improvements can be seen almost immediately. Being too proud or too“strong” is really not the right way to think.

Speaking to a GP or health visitor is probably the quickest way of getting help as many maternity health professionals have been trained to recognise PND and have techniques that can help. If it’s your partner who is having problems – encourage them to seek help.

Don’t struggle alone hoping that the problem will go away. Remember that:

  • a range of help and support is available, including different types of therapy
  • depression is an illness like any other
  • depression isn’t about fault – it can happen to anyone
  • being depressed doesn’t equal being a bad parent
  • it doesn’t mean you’re going mad
  • babies are only taken into care in very exceptional and extreme circumstances

Treatments

Postnatal depression can be lonely, distressing and frightening, but support and effective treatments are available including:

  • self-help – talking to family and friends about feelings and what they can do to help, making time to do ‘nice’ things, resting or taking ‘time-out’ whenever there’s the chance, getting as much sleep as possible – sharing feeding routines or the spare room, exercising regularly – even if it’s just walking the dog and eating a healthy diet
  • psychological therapy – A GP or other health professional may be able to recommend a self-help course, or refer for a course of therapy, such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
  • antidepressants – these may be recommended if the depression is more severe or other treatments haven’t helped; medicines are also available that are safe to take while breastfeeding

PND Myths

Postnatal depression is often misunderstood and there are many myths surrounding it including:

  • It’s less severe than other types of depression. In fact, it’s completely as serious as other types of depression for the person and that there is a child involved.
  • It’s entirely caused by hormonal changes. It may well be in part – but there are many different factors that need to be taken into account.
  • Postnatal depression will soon pass. Unlike the “baby blues”, postnatal depression can persist for months if left untreated and in a minority of cases, can become a long-term problem.
  • Postnatal depression only affects women. Research has actually found that up to 1 in 10 new fathers become depressed after having a baby.

For more information please visit the links below.

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/post-natal-depression/

www.aware-ni.com (mood matters parent and baby )

www.reachingoutpmh.co.uk  (specifically for men suffering from PND)

www.support2gether.co.uk (support for women)

www.pandasfoundation.org

Remember, here at MaleMenu we encourage everyone to seek the help they need and the help they deserve.