Depression of young fathers is an existing problem and there are many such cases in the world, but as a phenomenon it happens to be discussed less, compared to the depression of young mothers.
Having children brings about radical changes in lifestyle, even if you did not give birth. In women, fluctuating hormonal levels and neurochemical changes that occur in the brain affect to a large extent. Men also experience hormonal disorders after the birth of a child. Lowering testosterone levels can increase the risk of depression and anxiety.
Add to this other consequences such as chronic stress, irregular nutrition and lack of sleep, they too are all likely to go through an episode of depression, which in carelessness can even turn into chronic depression.
But it is not just hormonal changes that play a role in men’s postpartum depression. One of the factors is the feeling of separation from mother and child, as in many cases the father is left out of the main processes of raising the baby. It is extremely important that the father be given the opportunity to make contact with the child and to feel useful in caring for him.
After all, the pressure of culture on the parent can make anyone feel incompetent. High expectations of mom and dad to take care of the baby in a certain way are usually far from the reality of a sleepless life, with malnutrition and confusion, where parents find it extremely difficult to do everything perfectly, with all the burden that comes suddenly in their lives.
Source: Women's Health
