Fathers also suffer from postpartum depression, UW-Madison professor’s research shows

University of Wisconsin-Madison social work professor Tova Walsh is glad more people are paying attention to postpartum depression in mothers. She said it’s a big improvement.

However, she recently published a study on father’s mental health and said that anyone of any gender can struggle after having a new baby. That struggle can sometimes reach a point of clinical depression, she told WPR’s “Wisconsin Today.”

“I think we still really overlook (father’s postpartum depression),” Walsh said.

Postpartum depression affects about 1 in 7 women after giving birth. That number is about 1 in 10 men, who tend to have different symptoms than mothers, Walsh said. Her research focused on fathers.

“Fathers are more likely to feel more irritable or mask their symptoms,” she said.

Walsh said men who experience postpartum depression tend to exhibit avoidance behaviors, such as isolating themselves and spending less time with their families. They may also use numbing mechanisms to cope. These may include drinking more than usual or throwing yourself into a job or hobby. Men may also show fewer overt signs of sadness.

“What’s really important to pay attention to is, if (the stress) doesn’t get better, if it’s an extended period of time that you really don’t feel like yourself,” Walsh said.

Struggling with basic daily tasks and feeling disconnected from your partner or child are also signs that someone should seek help, she said.

Research by Walsh and others has found that fathers’ involvement in their partners’ pregnancies, postpartum care, and child rearing improves health outcomes for the entire family. Otherwise, postpartum depression can harm the health of babies.

“When fathers are involved, have strong relationships, and are caring parents for their children, it’s associated with better outcomes of all kinds: better social and emotional well-being, better school performance, all types of health outcomes,” Walsh said. “The role of fathers is really key and sometimes overlooked.”

For help: Walsh said those struggling with postpartum depression should consult their health care providers and/or Postpartum Support International, which also has a support group for new fathers. of Crisis hotline 988 also offers phone, text and online support resources.