Becoming parents represents an upheaval in the life of a couple, both from a social, practical and above all emotional point of view. Pregnancy and then birth lead both partners, both mother and father, to reorganize not only the external world, but also the internal one.
It is normal, therefore, to initially feel overwhelmed by new responsibilities and changes, especially in today’s society, where there seems to be no room for uncertainties and doubts and we aspire to always be “perfect and happy”. In this context, even new fathers can go through moments of crisis, finding themselves having to redefine their role and their emotions in the path of parenthood.
In this delicate moment, psychopathological symptoms of different nature and severity could develop, with a limited duration or with more long-term consequences.
Symptoms of a new mother
For many years, research has focused on new motherprobably because mothers more often report symptomatic pictures in the “depressive spectrum”:
- maternity blues
- postpartum depression
- post traumatic stress disorder
- postpartum psychosis (with rare incidence)
Alongside these disorders related to the perinatal period, it is also important to remember the stress that can affect fathers, often referred to as “daddy stress” or paternal stress, which can manifest itself with similar symptoms and affect the well-being of the entire family.
The most common symptoms are: depressed mood, anxiety, sleep disturbances, fatigue and irritability, feelings of guilt, low self-esteem, feelings of helplessness. In rare cases, thoughts of death may be present.
Postpartum depression in fathers
In contemporary society, i Pope they are increasingly involved in the birth event and actively share choices and responsibilities with their partners, fully experiencing this important moment.
During this delicate existential passage, difficulties may arise which, in some cases, lead to experiences of profound suffering and the sensation of feeling like a desperate father; in the first year of the newborn’s life, particularly between the third and sixth month, some fathers may experience symptoms of postpartum depression and find themselves experiencing their emotional distress intensely.
How it manifests itself
The main symptoms are:
- state of dejection and despondency
- restlessness and irritability
- loss of interest
- constant worry
- social withdrawal and depressed mood
- difficulty concentrating and working
- sleep problems
- decreased libido.
In some cases, these symptoms are associated with other disorders such as: anxiety disorders, acting out behavioral (outbursts of anger, violent behavior, extramarital affairs, elopements, compulsive physical or sexual activity), substance abuse, alcohol, smoking.
Risk factors
The causes of paternal postpartum depression are not known, but a high correlation has been found with the presence of maternal depression and a previous personal history of depression, together with a high degree of pre-natal anxiety.
Further risk factors are considered:
- young or very advanced age;
- low level of education, low income, financial worries and unemployment;
- high levels of stress perception;
- socio-familial factors: quality of the relationship with one’s parents during childhood, unwanted pregnancy, discrepancy between expectations during pregnancy and the experience of parenting after giving birth, belonging to a recomposed family.
Added to this is a lack of basic information which can increase the feeling of loss after the birth of the baby. It has been observed, in fact, that fathers often arrive at the birth of their child without adequate information on what awaits them, ignoring the changes that will affect both them and their partner. This lack of preparation and awareness can become one of the factors that contribute to the development of depression in fathers after the birth of their child.
Consequences
As with maternal postpartum depression, paternal depression can also have a negative impact on the family unit, both on the mother and the child. In fact, some research shows how paternal depression can influence the birth of the bond between father and son and him behavioral and cognitive development in subsequent years, regardless of the presence of depression in the mother.
The importance of the support network
Having a strong support network can make all the difference in the postpartum period. The support of friends, relatives or groups of other parents allows you to share experiences, receive practical advice and feel less alone in difficulties.
Participating in meetings or support groups, even online, can offer new perspectives and help normalize your emotions. Knowing that you are not the only one experiencing moments of fatigue can alleviate the sense of inadequacy and foster a climate of greater understanding and acceptance.
When can it be useful to ask for professional help?
Recognizing the signs of discomfort can be the first step to intervening effectively. If symptoms of sadness, anxiety or irritability persist for several weeks, or if you experience recurring negative thoughts or difficulty carrying out daily activities, it is important not to underestimate the situation.
Contacting a psychologist or a psychotherapist can offer a space for listening and discussion, helping to better understand one’s emotions and find personalized strategies to deal with the moment of crisis. Asking for help is not a sign of weakness, but an act of care for yourself and your family.
Practical strategies to support fathers
In addition to psychological support, there are some practical strategies that can help fathers better manage the postpartum period:
- Carve out moments of personal care: Dedicating time to yourself, even just for a short walk or a hobby, can help reduce stress and regain energy.
- Ask for help when necessary: You shouldn’t be afraid to turn to family, friends or professionals for practical or emotional support.
- Participate actively in the life of the newborn: taking care of the child, even with small daily gestures, promotes a sense of competence and strengthens the father-child bond.
- Share responsibilities: dividing tasks with your partner helps to avoid overload and maintain balance in the couple, thus reducing the risk of couple crises linked to the presence of young children.
These strategies, if integrated into the family routine, can help prevent a sense of overwhelm and promote a more peaceful adaptation to the new parental role.
The role of communication in the couple
Open and sincere communication between partners can be fundamental in dealing together with the difficulties that may arise after the birth of a child. Often, new fathers can feel isolated or misunderstood, especially if they fear they won’t be up to their new responsibilities.
Talking about your feelings, fears and expectations can help reduce feelings of loneliness and strengthen the couple’s bond. It is important that both partners feel free to express their emotions without fear of judgment, thus creating a safe space in which to support each other.
How to intervene
In one perspective preventative it therefore appears fundamental recognize the importance of the father from the beginning of the pregnancy and promote his involvement in all the important stages before and after the birth, for example during visits and in post-birth care.
All studies underline the importance of recognizing paternal postpartum depression in its early stages in order to deal with it better. For this purpose, it seems very useful Edinburgh Staircasea self-administered depression test already widely used for maternal postpartum depression. Given the high correlation with maternal postpartum depression, research suggests a postpartum path for fathers, especially when a depressed mother is present. When you recognize the signs of this difficulty, the best way to intervene is to rely on a psychological supportpossibly accompanied by couples therapy.
If you feel that the period after the birth of a child is becoming too difficult to face alone, Evidence Network can help you find the professional best suited to your needs. Start the questionnaire and take the first step towards personalized psychological support.
