Postpartum depression is a mental health issue that many women face after childbirth. The challenges during the postpartum period can range from milder forms like "baby blues" to more prolonged and challenging experiences such as depression. With proper and early treatment, it can be addressed without severe consequences for both the mother and the baby.
While not widely known, fathers can also experience postpartum depression and it is more frequent than we might think. In this article, we discuss what postpartum depression is, its symptoms, causes, how it manifests in fathers, and treatment methods.
Becoming a parent involves a range of emotions: happiness, anxiety, excitement, and overwhelmed feelings. These are all very human emotions intertwined and part of the parenting journey. Especially for those experiencing parenthood for the first time, anxiety and stress can dominate. Although negative emotions are as much a part of the parenting experience as positive ones, beyond a certain threshold, they can harm parents, the child, and the family structure.
Postpartum depression is the term used to describe this period where anxiety, stress, exhaustion, and fatigue prevail. Considering the physical and psychological changes that come with childbirth, postpartum depression is not clinically defined as a threatening condition. Typically, with the support of the environment, it resolves within two weeks without the need for treatment. If symptoms persist beyond two weeks, seeking help from a professional is recommended to prevent the progression from baby blues to postpartum depression.
Baby Blues
Baby blues affect approximately 50% to 70% of women giving birth. This condition, characterized by bouts of crying, high anxiety, and extreme fatigue, usually begins within the first week after childbirth (around days 2-4). Given the physical and psychological changes associated with childbirth, baby blues are not clinically considered a threatening condition. It usually resolves within two weeks with the support of the environment. If symptoms persist beyond two weeks, seeking professional help is recommended to prevent the transition from baby blues to postpartum depression.
Postpartum Depression
Popularly known as postpartum depression, this condition closely resembles the symptoms of postnatal depression. While baby blues occur within the first week after birth, postpartum depression can occur at any time within the first year after childbirth and often progresses in a more severe clinical picture compared to baby blues.
As childbirth is often portrayed as an exciting, wonderful, and joy-filled experience in public perception or movies and TV shows, women experiencing postpartum depression may hesitate to share their feelings and even blame themselves for not being a "good mother". This hesitation can hinder receiving necessary help, making the situation worse. While childbirth can be a miraculous experience, it encompasses a wide range of emotions. Therefore, if you find yourself in negative emotions after childbirth, remember that it is not related to being a bad or inadequate mother. Do not hesitate to seek help from your surroundings or a professional, preventing negative emotions from overshadowing the beauty of the postpartum process.
One of the most frequently asked questions about postpartum depression is whether it affects the baby. Research on this topic shows some significant effects of postpartum depression on the baby:
- Difficulty in establishing mutual bonds with the baby
- Disturbances in the baby's social skills in baby care
- Sleep problems for the baby
Recognizing the symptoms of postpartum depression is crucial if we ever find ourselves lost in such feelings or if we suspect that someone we know is struggling with it. Moreover, understanding the symptoms can help us take healthy steps before the situation worsens. Additionally, recognizing the symptoms helps us realize that the problem is not related to our personality or parenting skills, but is a mental health issue like any other health problem.
Before delving into the symptoms, it's useful to remember that the symptoms of baby blues and postpartum depression are almost identical, and what distinguishes them is the duration and intensity. Baby blues occur immediately after childbirth, last for about ten days, and have less intense symptoms. In contrast, postpartum depression can occur at any time within the first year after childbirth, lasts longer, and has more severe symptoms.
If you are experiencing the following conditions, you may be going through baby blues:
If you experience the following symptoms intensely and for an extended period, you may be dealing with postpartum depression:
If you think you have these symptoms, do not worry. Many parents struggle with this condition during the postpartum period. You are not alone, and with the right support, you can overcome this situation.
Due to the physical, psychological, and social changes brought about by childbirth, every parent experiencing postpartum depression, whether in the form of baby blues or not, may naturally ask questions like "Why me?" or "Is something wrong with me?" Research indicates that it is not attributed to a single definitive cause, but involves a combination of various factors. Let's examine these factors below:
Additionally, some individuals are more prone to postpartum depression due to various risk factors. These factors can be examined as follows:
Before examining the treatment of the condition in the following sections, it may be useful to explore simple but effective steps that mothers can take when they feel overwhelmed, tired, and inadequate. Here are the steps to help ourselves while coping with depression after b:
When we mention postpartum depression, we often think that only mothers experience this condition. However, fathers who meet the identity of parenthood and experience the changes it brings can also cope with postpartum depression, just like mothers. Associating postpartum depression only with mothers can make it difficult for fathers struggling with it to seek support. It is crucial for us to learn and acknowledge that fathers can also cope with postpartum depression, not only for their mental health but also for the well-being of the baby and the mother.
After childbirth, men experience physical, psychological, and social changes, similar to women. For example, research indicates changes in hormones such as cortisol, testosterone, estrogen, and prolactin. Factors such as a history of depression or anxiety, substance use, other mental health issues, low social support, financial stress, the quality of the relationship with the mother, the mother experiencing postpartum depression, the young age of the father, and living separately from the baby increase the risk of postpartum depression in men.
The symptoms are similar to those in mothers:
If you think you or your partner may be experiencing postpartum depression, remember that it is not something to be ashamed of, and it is not related to gender or societal gender identities. Do not hesitate to seek help!
In addition to the expert treatments we will examine below, there are also some steps that fathers can take on their own. If you think you are prone to experiencing such a situation, you can take the following steps to protect yourself:
While the well-being of the mother and the baby is understandably the priority for fathers after childbirth, they also need to prioritize their physical and psychological health to feel better.
In families experiencing postpartum depression, the first people to help the parents are usually partners, and support from the partner carries great importance in preventing the situation from worsening. First, considering that such a risk can exist in any family, it is essential to observe the emotions and behaviors of our partners. If we notice that our partner is going through a difficult time after childbirth, the most important thing is not to trivialize it. This is crucial because realizing that their situation is not heard from the outside and not valued can worsen their condition. Just like in every aspect of life, open communication is very important. During this period, the person experiencing this condition knows what they need the best. Therefore, regularly asking them how they feel, what they need, and how we can support them is crucial in providing support. Additionally, helping with household chores, creating space for their social relationships, taking responsibility for baby care to enable them to do these things, listening to their concerns, and showing love can be very beneficial for new parents. If you think the situation is getting worse, encouraging your partner to consult with a professional is an important part of providing support.
Postpartum depression is a mental health issue that should not be normalized or considered self-resolving. In cases where the right and necessary support are not received, it can harm not only the parent experiencing depression but also the baby, the partner, and the family structure.
Although it may feel extremely challenging and overwhelming when experienced, overcoming postpartum depression with professional help can be easier than we think. Therefore, being aware that there is nothing to be ashamed of in the situation and consulting with a professional is of great importance. Today, there are many therapy methods with proven positive effects for its treatment. Here are two of the most commonly preferred therapy methods:
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT involves working on our thought patterns, replacing unhelpful thoughts with healthier ones, and acquiring strategies to cope with difficult emotions and situations. Scientifically proven to be effective, this therapy method is often preferred for postpartum depression. It provides an opportunity to work on thoughts and feelings related to parenthood and cope with disturbing thoughts, such as the fear of harming the baby, healthily.
Psychodynamic Therapy: In the psychodynamic approach, the subject of therapy often revolves around our past experiences and repressed emotions and thoughts. The goal is to resolve unresolved issues through therapy. In this context, by addressing our relationship with our parents, the perception we have formed about parenthood from childhood, and the conflicts between our old and new identities, we have the chance to cope with postpartum depression.
