t is often believed that the postpartum( period after child birth) depression in mothers has been related to the changes in the hormones in the body. New research has prove that this mental health issue is not alone confirmed to the mothers but the new dads are also having this risk of post partum depression. The University of Southern California has conducted a study which has found a link between depression and sagging testosterone levels in new dads, adding to strong evidence and a physiological weight to the argument and showing that postpartum depression isn’t just for women anymore. The study also shown that the high hormone testosterone levels in new dads helped protect against depression in fathers, it correlated with an increased risk of depression in new moms. It is found that the reason for the testosterone levels drop in the new dads was unknown.

This postpartum depression is not a new concept. This condition is associated with the sadness, anxiety and suicidal thoughts — was first noted by Hippocrates in 400 B.C.

The Postpartum Depression (PPD) Symptoms in men includes the following:

• Increased anger and conflict with others
• Increased use of alcohol or prescription/street drugs
• Frustration or irritability
• Violent behavior
• Significant weight gain or loss
• Isolation from family and friends
• Being easily stressed
• Impulsiveness or risk-taking (this kind of behavior can include reckless driving or extramarital affairs)
• Feeling discouraged; cynicism
• Increase in complaints about physical problems, like headaches, digestion problems or pain
• Problems with concentration or motivation
• Loss of interest in work, hobbies and/or sex
• Working constantly
• Concerns about productivity and functioning at work or school
• Fatigue
• Feeling sad or crying for no reason
• The conflict between how you feel you should be as a man and how you are
• Thoughts of suicide or death

According to a study done by the American Journal of Men’s Health, showed that 13.3 percent of expectant fathers experience elevated levels of depressive symptoms during their partner’s third trimester of pregnancy. As for the postpartum period, estimates of the number of men experiencing PPPD in the first two months after birth varies from 4 to 25 percentTrusted Source, according to one study from 2007.

There was another study which has shown the association telling that Hormones may play a part but the strongest predictor of male postpartum is female postpartum. If the wife is depressed, the man is twice as likely to develop postpartum according to a 2004 review of 20 studies.

How to get ride of Postpartum Depression (PPD)!

Experts say the treatment for paternal postpartum depression varies, but they include psychotherapy and prescribing an antidepressant, like an SSRI. Researchers also emphasize that diet, exercise, and meditation and various mental exercises to reduce anxiety and depression. The first step in the treatment of this mental health issue is recognizing that mental illness doesn’t discriminate. Anyone can be affected by depression, including dads.

CONCLUSION:

Researchers concluded that “during the first postpartum year, the incidence of paternal depression ranged from 1.2% to 25.5% in community samples, and from 24% to 50% among men whose partners were experiencing postpartum depression. Maternal depression was identified as the strongest predictor of paternal depression during the postpartum period.” Research confirms that male PPPD (postpartum paternal depression)is real, the majority of men don’t know about it. The real challenge is two-fold: making men aware and helping them get help.