Alester Brown

Can Fathers Have Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorder?

Ask any counsellor for perinatal mood and anxiety disorder, and they'll likely tell you that a vast majority of their patients are female. That makes sense, considering how common mood changes and depression are among pregnant women before and after birth. But it's not just mothers who are dealing with significant life changes. Find the support and understanding you deserve during a difficult time. Connect with a qualified counsellor for Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorder on this website now.

Men have a lot to contend with, too. They're looking at a drastically different future than the life they're living now. Pairing that with the pressure of being a good father, supporting the family, making enough money to live the life they want, and bringing a new baby into the world is a scary prospect.

Believe it or not, fathers-to-be also experience perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. In fact, it's more common than most realize.

An Unspoken Reality

Estimates say that roughly 10 per cent of men experience mood and anxiety disorders leading to childbirth. Those symptoms often continue for several weeks or months after the child enters the world.

That's a surprisingly large figure. So, why don't we hear about it more? Unfortunately, stigmas prevent many men from speaking out. There's an unfair expectation for men to be hyper-masculine and supportive of their partners. While the mother goes through extreme physical and emotional changes that men should support, fathers shouldn't be afraid to get the help they need.

Experts say men often idealize parenthood with their partners more than women do. They have expectations they want to meet, and men without good role models to follow often fall into a cycle of anxiety, trying to prepare themselves for the impending change. Sadly, many men suffer in silence.

Getting Help

Men need professional assistance from a counsellor for perinatal mood and anxiety disorder issues. Failing to address these emotional issues could lead to an unhealthy cycle of thinking. Not only that, but it puts the child at risk. Studies indicate that babies with fathers going through anxiety disorders are more likely to develop behavioural problems.

Do yourself and your family a favour and request help when needed. There's no shame in taking care of your mental health.

Author Resource:-

Alester Brown writes about mental and physical health. She advises people on Paediatrician & online Psychiatrist consultation. You can find her thoughts at counsellor for OCD blog.