Men can suffer from postnatal depression
Once diagnosed, depression can be addressed with counselling and, in some cases, medication.
One in 10 men experience postnatal depression, either during their partner’s pregnancy or up to one year following the birth of their child, according to a study released by the American Medical Association.
During Men’s Health Month, which takes place every year in June, men are encouraged to seek out early detection and treatment of preventable health problems, such as postnatal depression.
“Men are unaware that they can also suffer from postnatal depression,” said Dr Howard Manyonga, an obstetrician and head of The Birthing Team, an affordable maternity care programme available in Johannesburg, Pretoria, Durban and Polokwane.
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“The new demands and responsibilities that fathers experience during and after the partner’s pregnancy can cause overwhelming feelings of sadness, irritation, guilt, fear and detachment – the symptoms of postnatal depression.”
Many people believe that postnatal depression is only caused by the hormonal changes a mother experiences after giving birth, but first-time fathers and men with a history of mental illness are vulnerable to the illness as well.
Depressed fathers are more likely to engage in patterns of behaviour that negatively affect them and their families, such as substance abuse and domestic violence.
“An early diagnosis of depression helps men access treatment and support so that they can remain present and positively involved with the family,” said Manyonga.
“An assessment of the financial and work pressures that the father experiences as well as what support networks exist are important for determining what treatment is best,” said Manyonga, who advocates for the delivery of maternity care by teams that include social workers and mental health professionals.
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