Hello
I'm just writing as I've noticed that many of the topics on here focus on post natal depression in women (which is extremely valid), but very few concentrate on the experiences of men after the birth, specifically how men can also have a form of post natal depression.

Although it's not triggered by a hormonal imbalance as it is in women, it can still have a massive, life altering affect on you. Perhaps you are feeling depressed, anxious, angry, worthless, and guilty or maybe you are losing concentration. You could be losing intimacy with your partner, feeling excluded or unable to connect with your baby, fearing that your own partner might never recover from post natal depression. As a result you may be trying to stay at work longer, avoid going home or turn to drink, drugs or another remedy to try and avoid the situation.

Think about it - you're only human. You will have a lot on your plate as a new father trying to support your wife and child, get acquainted to your new life and role and balance work and personal obligations. You are expected to be your wife's biggest support, but who/where is the support for you?? The NHS, amongst others, provides very little support for fathers. As a man you're supposed to -take it like a man', put your emotions aside and deal with the situation, ignoring all your own feelings and your difficulty coping with this life changing phenomenon.

Does this ring any bells with anyone?
:\?

carnt say ive heared of pnd in men as such.......................But with regards overwhelming emotions im sure its quite a challenge for dads to! have you talked to your o/h about this and if so how she feel?
I think my o/h felt overwhelmed by responsibility

I have heard of this. My oh suffered slightly after our first child. Mostly due to that fact that is was a very traumatic labour/birth in where it was touch and go as to whether either myself or baby would make it thru (fortunately we both did and now have 3 beautiful children). He wasnt there at the bitter end in the operating room when my first child was born and suffered from real anxiety and feelings of guilt and it was only thru me talking to hv at the time that she said that it was actually quite common for men to suffer from pnd.

xxx

A friend of mine said he had it after the birth of his second child. It seemed quite similar to post natal depression in women in some respects. He said he was happy and fine during/after the birth of his first child but after his second child he became very depressed and his emotions just said he 'didn't want to know' anymore and he began pushing his wife and family away, going to work more so he didn't have to be around, etc, it eventually destroyed their marriage and needless to say they've gone through a very bitter separation.

Just curious if any of your oh suffered similarly? http://www.bbc.co.uk/health/ask_the_doctor/malepnd.shtml