Postnatal depression also termed as postpartum depression (PPD) refers to a type of mood disorder that is usually associated with childbirth. This type of mood disorder is highly characterized by extremely low energy, low energy, feelings of extreme sadness and high anxiety levels, irritability, insomnia, as well as changes in eating patterns. Postpartum depression is common among women and typically occurs three weeks after childbirth, generally, postpartum depression; which also occurs in men, interferes with their ability to not only take care of themselves but also their family; hence, PPD affects a parent’s overall functioning ability as well as the newborn child (Gilbert, 2018). The article, “Do Fathers Get Depressed After Childbirth”, by Chris Gilbert argues that apart from women, men are also susceptible to postnatal depression following childbirth, consequently, the author asserts that it is critical to not only diagnose but also treat postpartum depression; thus in fathers as soon as possible. Further, the author also asserts that is also critical encourage fathers to have age-appropriate physical activity inclusive of play with their children which is critical in both restoring emotional balance in the family and also preventing the emergence of childhood conduct problems (Gilbert, 2018).
Chris Gilbert’s assertions or rather conclusions are well supported by various research studies, such includes Erica Cheng’s research study that involved evaluating postpartum depression among men and comparing the results to the percentage of postnatal depression; thus among new mothers. Concerning this, the research was conducted on 5 community healthcare centers all located in Indianapolis. In her research, Cheng collected data through a 20-item prescreening form which was delivered through a tablet that contained options of either Spanish or English, moreover, a version of “Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale” with three items was also utilized (Gilbert, 2018). From the research, among the fathers that participated 4.4% screened positive for postpartum depression, on the other hand, in the same study, 5% of the mothers also tested positive (Gilbert, 2018). The article also draws its conclusion from Michael Yogman’s research review of various articles on postpartum depression from which he found out that while mothers start experiencing postpartum depression only three months after delivery fathers are likely to experience depression up to one year after childbirth, furthermore, fathers are more likely to turn to alcohol, get angry, and also spank their infants (Gilbert, 2018). Another major study highlighted in the article is the “Avon Longitudinal Study of Parent and Children” which through analysis of about 12,884 fathers concluded that postnatal depression among fathers is directly associated with child conduct problems primarily during the ages of 3 and 5 years. Another evidence in the article that supports a Chris Gilbert’s conclusion is WT Boyce’s 2006 article, which was published in the “Journal of American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry”, according to the article, when fathers are caring and actively engaged in their children’s life playing and communicating, such children are less likely to develop mental health symptoms; thus at the age of 9 years (Gilbert, 2018).
Some of the assumptions regarding the article’s point of view or rather a conclusion is that postnatal depression is the fact that when postnatal depression among fathers goes undiagnosed and untreated, it is the primary cause of emotional imbalance as well as the development of childhood conduct problems (Gilbert, 2018). Another major assumption is that postnatal depression is rarely diagnosed and treated among fathers, in addition, another assumption is that postnatal depression among fathers also makes them antisocial; hence, they are unable to form any meaningful relationships with their children.
Generally, postnatal depression among men; after childbearing is caused by a number of factors, one of the major causes is due to high-stress levels resulting from more sleep disturbances when young newborns cry during the night. Another major cause is financial pressure, less sexual contact with the mother which is caused by the traumatization of the virginal tissues during childbirth (Gilbert, 2018). Postnatal depression among fathers can also be as a result of less attention; as more attention is diverted to the newborn, in other cases, a woman postnatal depression can also affect a father consequently, the man also become depressed. Concerning this, research indicates that there exists a positive but rather moderate correlation; thus between mothers’ and fathers’ depression (Gilbert, 2018). There also exist numerous differences in the expression of postnatal depression among men and women, concerning this, unlike women, men are more likely to deny vulnerability, avoid emotional expression, constantly get angry, moreover, they are also likely to become defensive, angry, antisocial, compulsive, consequently, turning to alcohol; hence, not seeking the necessary help (Gilbert, 2018). In relation to this, since fathers seldom take time to visit their primary care physicians, consequently, it is important for pediatricians to assess children during their well-child care visits as well as evaluate and also treat both parents for postnatal depression.
The issue of postnatal depression not only among women but also men is one of the public health issues associated with childbearing, hence, it is critical for healthcare professionals to not only evaluate but also diagnose and treat parents since postnatal depression affects both their health as well as their children. Concerning this, research indicates that postnatal depression among fathers is a major risk factor for what can be termed as excessive infant crying, furthermore, depression in father is also attributed with increase in child conduct problems particularly at the age of three and five years even in the event maternal depression is controlled (Gilbert, 2018). Research also indicates that children with caring fathers that play and communicate with them tend to have less symptoms of mental health at the age of nine. These research studies show the importance of diagnosing and treating postnatal depression in parents especially fathers in the contemporary world.
I believe that postnatal depression among fathers is a major topic that requires further investigations owing to its negative effects mainly on children. More research also needs to be conducted on the actual postnatal depression rates among fathers as compared to those of women, or rather mothers.
Conclusively, the article, “Do Fathers Get Depressed After Childbirth”, by Chris Gilbert is critical as it sheds light into the issue of postnatal depression among fathers which is not extensively explored in the modern-day world. Generally, the article explores the effects of postnatal depression particularly among fathers and its overall effect on children, thereby, creating awareness on the need to not only diagnose but also treat this type of depression. Gilbert, therefore, aims at improving the overall health of parents; mainly fathers and children by providing possible solutions to prevent childhood conduct problems as well as an emotional imbalance in homes, these include encouraging age-appropriate play and physical activity between fathers and children. The article, therefore, aims at improving the well-being and health of contemporary families.
References
Gilbert, C. (2018). Do Fathers Get Depressed After Childbirth, Psychology Today. Com. Retrieved from https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/heal-the-mind-heal-the-body/201807/do-fathers-get-depressed-after-childbirth
