Perinatal (pregnancy and after birth) depression in men

Men can experience perinatal depression. Signs of depression include physical, emotional, and changes in thinking and behavior that last for more than two weeks. It is important to seek professional help as soon as possible. Talk to your doctor.

Pregnancy: emotional changes in men and women

Pregnancy is a powerful and life experience for both women and men. It can arouse some strong, deep and unexpected emotions and problems. As a man, there may be days during your partner's pregnancy when you will feel flat, weak or irritable. Such changes are normal. But emotional changes that last longer than two weeks and prevent you from living your daily life can be depressing. Depression during pregnancy is called antenatal depression. Postpartum depression is postnatal depression.

One in 10 men has experience of perinatal depression.

Signs of perinatal depression in men

If you experience any of the following changes for more than two weeks, do not fight them, do not ignore them, but seek help. Talk to your partner, family and friends and talk to your doctor. Common physical signs may include:

  • fatigue
  • lack of appetite
  • sleep problems or
  • sleep and wakefulness at unusual times
  • weight loss or gain

Changes in emotions and mood can also be signs of perinatal depression. For example, you may feel:

  • sad 
  • guilty or shameful 
  • anxious and angry
  • isolated or
  • excluded from relationships with a partner, friends, or family
  • unable to enjoy things that have brought you pleasure and enjoyment.

You may have changes in thinking:

  • you are not able to concentrate or
  • you have trouble remembering information
  • you have difficulty making decisions or
  • performing daily tasks
  • you are overwhelmed
  • you have no control over the situation
  • you can’t deal with thoughts of death and suicide.

You may also have a change in behavior:

  • you are not interested in sex
  • you withdraw from the family or
  • you want to spend more time at work
  • you use drugs or alcohol as a way to deal with depression.

Prenatal and postpartum depression have the same symptoms and are treated in the same way. Only the timing is different - prenatal depression comes before birth, and postnatal depression comes after. They are both referred to as perinatal depression.

Supporting perinatal depression in men

If you think you are depressed, it is important to seek help early. Consult a doctor, talk to your partner, family and friends about what you are going through.

Depression of your partner

About 15% of women develop depression after having a baby. Fathers whose partners have postnatal depression often think that they withdraw from love and affection - not only from sex, but also from friendship in a relationship. If your partner is struggling, or you notice that she is experiencing symptoms of depression, encourage her to seek help. For starters, you could talk to your doctor. Your support will greatly affect your partner and can help reduce symptoms. Read more about how to care for a partner who has postnatal depression.