Paternal depression
This mood disorder exhibits symptoms similar to postpartum depression (PPD) including anxiety, insomnia, irritability, consistent breakdown and crying episodes, and low energy.
[2] Those with parental depression may have developed it early on but some are diagnosed later on from when the child is a toddler (1 to 3 years) up until a young adult.
[3] Other factors including stress overload, sleep deprivation and unhappy relationships with one's partner or children may also affect its prevalence.
[6] Compared to women, men experience greater anxiety levels within the first 3 months of childbirth and develop paternal depression as the children grows older.
[9] Despite common symptoms of depression being loss of appetite and insomnia, women are more likely to display atypical behaviours such as oversleeping and overeating.
Common causes include having limited emotional and social support, experiencing financial stress, having an unsatisfying relationship with one's partner, finding difficulty adjusting to parenting, unexpected events in child development and personal histories of mental disorders and drug abuse.
[4] The causes of paternal depression include stress overload, caring responsively to the children, undertaking multiple family and social roles and a decrease in direct father to child interaction.
[4] Fathers of young boys are most vulnerable to paternal depression during the child's early and behavioural development.
[5] Light to moderate symptoms could be treated at home, and can include being well-rested, getting alone time, eating a well-balanced diet with adequate amounts of water and exercise, accepting social support from partner, friends and family.
[16] Psychotherapy aids postpartum depression treatment by approaching it with psychological, rather than biological, intervention.
[20] Many parents with postpartum depression prefer psychological treatment as it limits any potential side effects that will influence the child.
The following practices will promote a healthier and positive lifestyle and are beneficial to anyone: talking to loved ones, taking alone time, getting sufficient amounts of rest, exercising regularly and eating a balanced diet.
[26] Not skipping meals, prioritising sleep and getting outside will improve mental health and increase feelings of satisfaction and fulfilment.
Severe stigma usually takes forms of discrimination, prejudice and stereotypes, and affect how society views mental disorders.
Paired with gender roles and the concepts of masculinity and femininity, society views men with mental impairments as weak and vulnerable and not the stereotypical alpha male.
[7] This then affects how men view their own mental disability, influencing the seeking of treatment and acceptance of the illness.
[18] This cause and effect relationship can create a cycle, leading men to be disheartened and ashamed of reaching out.
According to the Australian Black Dog Institute, it is estimated that 72% of men do not seek treatment for mental disorders.
