E111 - Darren J Brookes - There Is Nobody Here For You, Perinatal depression and men

Daniel is an author and he drops by to share about his book and about the topic of PeriNatal Depression that Dad's experience.

Daniel's book: The 23 Rules of life…that most people don’t want to hear will challenge your thinking and beliefs. However, they will empower you to maximise your potential and relentlessly pursue your goals regardless of what is happening in the world around you.

Daniel's site

https://www.dreamstogoals.co.uk/

Although new fathers are at lower risk of depression than are new mothers,2 the prevalence of depression in new fathers is higher than that in the general population.3 Depression occurs in 10% of men from their partner's first trimester to one year postpartum; three to six months after birth is a particularly sensitive period of increased symptoms.2 Fathers who live with their children do not have a history of increased depressive symptoms prior to having a child but are at increased risk of depressive symptoms from birth through the first five years of life

1. Perinatal depression in men, also known as paternal perinatal depression (PPND), is a significant mental health issue that affects approximately 9-10% of fathers during the period from their partner's pregnancy through the first year after childbirth. While less prevalent than maternal perinatal depression, PPND is more common in new fathers compared to the general male population.Key aspects of PPND include:Timing: PPND can occur anytime between the first trimester of pregnancy and one year postpartum, with the 3-6 month period after birth being particularly sensitive.
2. Symptoms: Men may experience traditional depressive symptoms such as sadness, mood swings, and loss of interest in activities. However, they may also exhibit male-specific symptoms like irritability, anger, increased alcohol or drug use, and avoidant behaviors.
3. Risk factors: These include a history of depression, stress related to parenting, role changes, financial concerns, and interparental conflict. Maternal depression is also moderately correlated with paternal depression.
4. Impact: PPND can negatively affect parenting practices, child development (both internalizing and externalizing behaviors), and family dynamics.
5. Screening: While not routinely screened, opportunities for identifying PPND exist during prenatal visits, postnatal check-ups, and infant clinical encounters. The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) can be used, with a cutoff of 10 points for fathers.
6. Treatment: Interventions may include pharmacotherapy (e.g., selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) and psychotherapy (e.g., cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness-based therapies).
7. Challenges: Men may be less likely to seek help due to stigma or traditional masculine norms. Additionally, conventional depression screening tools may underreport symptoms in men.

Recognizing and addressing PPND is crucial not only for the well-being of fathers but also for their relationships with partners and children. There is a growing need for male-specific treatment strategies and increased awareness among healthcare providers to better support fathers during the perinatal period

Sources:

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/postpartum-depression/symptoms-causes/syc-20376617

https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2016/0515/p824.html

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