Postpartum Depression in Men?

Realty TV star Leroy Garrett (a competitor on “The Challenge”) recently opened up about his experience with “postpartum depression” as a man. Mr. Garrett pointed out that despite being the father of two wonderful children (whom he loves dearly and he is clear that being a dad is one of the best things that ever happened to him), he suffered from a great deal of emotional difficulty during the postpartum period (The first 3-6 months after the birth of his children). Click here for his story on Good Morning America.

Postpartum depression in men is not an official psychiatric diagnosis. However, it is surprisingly not uncommon at all, for men to struggle with low mood, anxiety, feelings of inadequacy, increased irritability and other psychiatric symptoms, during the postpartum period.

As the father of a 4 month old and a 22 month old, I can confidently say, that being a dad can be overwhelming and stressful at times. Even if mom, dad and baby are healthy and parents are excited about their new role, having a newborn at home drastically changes schedules, sleep is affected, it puts additional stress on the relationship (couples don’t always agree on all aspects of parenting), it can cause low self-confidence at times (there’s a lot to learn as a new dad), and there’s also some added financial stress – in addition to completely normal worrying about your new loved one.

About 30% of men will suffer from a depressive episode in their life-time, and interestingly, these episodes often occur in the context of major life changes or adjustments (even positive ones). Think graduating from school, accepting a new job, getting a promotion at work, purchasing a new home, a new relationship or marriage, or in this case, becoming a father. Approximately ten percent of men may meet criteria for a depression during the postpartum period, and I would venture to say, that the MAJORITY of men, have at least some difficulty with mood, anxiety, their patience or adjusting, after becoming a father.

“Postpartum Depression” in men, can look a lot like postpartum depression in women. For example, one may note difficulty with sleep, decreased ability to enjoy things that they normally enjoy, feelings of guilt or low self-confidence, low energy, poor focus, fluctuations in appetite or weight and lower libido. However, in my private practice at Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates in Philadelphia and via telemedicine throughout PA, NJ, NY and others, I’ve noticed that men may be more likely to suffer from symptoms of Irritability (even anger), difficulty with patience, and increased alcohol or substance use. There may also be an increase in certain poor coping skills (sometimes with hyper-sexuality and related problematic behaviors). Obviously, mom needs her own support during the postpartum period, and all of these behaviors, can only worsen relationship stress, and cause dad’s psychiatric symptoms to worsen.

While mood disorders, anxiety disorders, ADHD and other psychiatric illnesses are not contagious per-say, when someone is struggling with their mental health, it does affect the whole family. That does NOT mean that individuals should feel guilty for being ill, or hide the fact that they’re suffering. Being sick is NOT your fault, and you should never feel ashamed or guilty. However, for the purpose of this conversation regarding MEN’s mental health, I’d recommend that men “man up,” admit that they are struggling, and reach out for help. Do it for not only yourself, but for your loved ones.

With May being mental health awareness month, and with Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates having recently hired a “Director of Women’s Mental Health,” it’s a great time for this discussion. Dr. Emily Bernstein was actually the head of Crozier’s Women’s Mental Health for 15 years, and she’s now joining RPA in that role.

So whether you’re a woman, a man, or however you prefer to identify, if you are struggling with your mental health, reach out to Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates, we’d be happy to help.