If you think about it, the stress associated with first time fatherhood alone should make most men crumble. There's money stress, relationship stress, distress from a lack of sleep and a lack of knowledge and the pressure that we as dads put on ourselves to somehow keep it all together. It's a careful balancing act between keeping your sanity and keeping up with the Jones' as we go about the business of providing for our family, not in the 1950's "breadwinner" sense of the word but in a "how do I manage my time to keep up with all the needs of my job, my family, and myself" kind of way. It's tough, and it's only made tougher by the current economic climate and the uncertainty of the future. It's not so easy. Many new dads are both struggling to come to terms with their new found responsibilities as a father and the day to day insecurity that the world they know might crumble tomorrow. But as the old saying goes, "you don't have anything if you don't have your health," and you can't be the very best father that you can be if you're not taking care of yourself first. You need to get your head right in order to get back to the business of being the best dad you can possibly be.
It's Time to Fodder Up! Today's installment: The Mental Health of New Dads - Part One - Postpartum Depression.
POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION IN NEW DADS:
Some men take to first time fatherhood quite well; others start to feel the pressure and almost seem to panic immediately. It is said that 1 in 4 new dads will develop symptoms of Postpartum depression in the first few months after the birth of a child, most having no idea that there is a name for what they are experiencing. They feel isolated and alone, not knowing who to turn to for help. But there is help, and there is no shame in seeking the assistance of a mental health professional if you start to feel like your life is spinning out of control, and that you may harm yourself, your spouse or your child. So if you believe that you are experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned below, don't wait, make an appointment with your family doctor immediately and get the assistance you need. Don't bottle up your emotions and hope for the best - a "real man" knows when to ask for help.
Video Tutorials:
Signs of Postpartum Depression - Men:
Articles on Postpartum Depression in Men:
- http://theweek.com/article/index/203133/postpartum-depression-in-men
- http://blogs.menshealth.com/health-headlines/can-men-get-post-partum-depression/2011/03/27
Disclaimer: Fodder 4 Fathers is NOT a medical blog. The information we provide is for entertainment purposes only. We do not endorse any third part links and as such we will not be held liable for any information provided by said sources. If you believe you might be suffering from Postpartum Depression seek the help of a medical professional now!
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