Depression in Dads During Pregnancy
We all know how pregnancy is a difficult and tedious time for women. Along with bodily changes, the mood and emotions of pregnant women change too. It won’t be unusual if a woman experiences depression during these days but the father as well can experience depression and mood swings. Why is that? And what is depression in dads during pregnancy? A lot of factors contribute to it.
1. Inability to Meet Others’ Expectations
A new father is expected to be the one in control when his wife is experiencing certain changes. Many people forget the fact that even the father is new to this and does not have any experience. The expectation of others can cause anxiety and depression
2. Adapting to the Changes
In every aspect of our life adapting to certain changes in our life is difficult and can cause us a great deal of stress. Likewise, a new father has to adapt to the changes which come with childbirth. It may take the father a week or even a month to adapt to the changes and during that time he may feel depressed and nervous.
3. Lack of Sleep
Lack of sleep is also a leading cause of depression in dads during pregnancy. With new responsibilities insight, it may get difficult to sleep. Sleeping less or having an irregular sleep pattern will affect the mood of the father and can lead to several health issues
4. The Grief of Loss
If unfortunately, the father experiences a loss, whether as a family member or at work. He may feel depressed, anxious, and even angry. In order to process the grief in a healthy way, you have to accept it and let it go.
5. Changes in a Relationship
With childbirth and pregnancy, a lot of relationships take a turn. It may be because of the responsibilities or a certain mood but the changes which accompany you with childbirth can cause the father to experience depression.
Symptoms to Look Out For
Different people react to depression differently. So what are the symptoms of depression in dads during pregnancy which you have to look out for?
- Feeling tired all the time
- Irritated behaviour
- Loss of appetite
- Feeling overwhelmed and inability to cope
- Feeling isolated
- Working more than what requires
- Changes in sleeping pattern
- Loss of libido
- Marital conflicts
- Insomnia
Treatments
Depression in dads during pregnancy is quite common. In order to drive them out of the depressive state, we have to acknowledge it first. Spend time with them and reassure them. Many men may feel that after childbirth they won’t be as important as they were before.
Talk to a friend or visit a doctor in order to properly move out of this state. If needed, suggest therapy. Talk to them and involve them in social groups and other relaxing activities which can help the father to deal with his emotions in a healthy way.
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation treatment is another option where the depression is getting severe and other options are not helping. TMS is a non-invasive, medication-free and painless brain stimulation technique, uniquely used for mental health disorders. TMS targets specific areas of the brain depending on what disorder it is treating.
Final Thoughts
For a child to be happy and healthy both the mother and father have to work out their emotions and be emotionally available for their kid which is why it’s important to treat depression in dads during pregnancy.
