Postpartum depression is a pathology that can affect mothers after giving birthpresenting himself from shortly after childbirth to a year later – although in most cases he appears during the first three months.
While their exact causes are unknown, it is believed that hormonal changes During and after pregnancy they significantly influence mood. Similarly, non -hormonal factors such as physical transformations derived from pregnancy and childbirth, changes in labor and social relations, loss of time and personal freedom, lack of sleep and doubts about the ability on being a good mother contribute to the appearance of this pathology.
Although postpartum depression and anxiety usually harm women – affecting between 10 and 20% of mothers – parents can also suffer it. Although it is not so common, as explained by the Clinical Psychologist Adelaida Trias Franco to Freedom Digital, “it is now much more frequent than before.” In fact, parents “They have between 2 and 25% chance of suffering it“, while, if the woman suffers the disease,” the probabilities multiply, “said the expert.
“A lot of irritability, impulsivity and even substance abuse” are some of the symptoms that can manifest in parents with perinatal depressionwhich is how pathology is really called. There are also physical manifestations such as headache or stomach.
On the other hand, there are several factors that can increase the chances of a father experiencing this pathology. “A postpartum depression in the mother, a scarce social support network, changes in male role, or labor and economic problems“They can influence the development of depression in the father, the psychologist has underlined.
How to differentiate anxiety from postpartum depression
In this context, when a mother is suffering some mental illness after childbirth or, in this case, the father can be complicated distinguish between anxiety or depression. To differentiate both pathologies, the key is in “the intensity and duration of symptoms.”
According to the psychologist, a tired or stressed father can express his exhaustion, communicate with his partner or even let off steam. However, “A father with perinatal depression usually shows a accumulation of factors that prevent this relief: it feels alone, without support network, and with a more intense emotional pressure, “said the expert. In fact, there are some symptoms such as” irritability, impulsivity or even substance abuse “, which go beyond simple fatigue or stress, and that are typical of a major problem than exhaustion or stress.
-During pregnancy, perinatal depression can manifest through excessive anxiety related to the well -being of the baby, feelings of low self -esteem, inability to enjoy daily activities and persistent negative thoughts, has underlined Trias Franco.
On the other hand, in the postpartum period, these symptoms are added to Sleep alterations, significant hormonal changes and, in some cases, the presence of other alterations, such as affective disorders or an excessive concern for the health of the newborn.
How does perinatal depression affect the baby?
Perinatal depression – like the postpartum depression of mothers – It can significantly affect the baby. If the father is not very emotionally, “the load usually falls completely on the mother, and that unbalanced all family dynamics,” said the psychologist.
A father who fails to adapt to the new role, who feels displaced or fails to link with his baby directly influences “the creation of the affective bond with the baby, which is built once the baby is born and spends time with the non -pregnant parent,” explained the psychologist. Therefore, if there is no presence, that link is not well formed. Although it does not always have a direct physical impact, according to the expert, “it can have long -term emotional consequences in baby development“.
Recommendations to handle postpartum stress
The psychologist has recommended a series of tips to better manage the stress that the parents who just have a child may suffer. First, the key is Live the stage jointlyunder no concept “in solitude”. Likewise, social support is also indispensable.
Communication between the couple is also essential: “Share fears, talk openly about emotions – so difficult – that both feel the freedom to ask for help, to say ‘I need a break’ or ‘I feel bad’“. When this happens,” practical support “must be offered. For example, it can work to keep the baby and that the affected father has time to take a break.
In short, the most important thing is that the couple know that “it is a new, difficult situation, and that they must act as a team,” the expert emphasized. In addition, to have who to talk to the couple, such as “an emotional or professional support network“You can make a big difference.
