Men and PND

Signs and symptoms of postnatal depression in men

Symptoms can begin anywhere from 24 hours to several months after delivery

• Tiredness, headaches and pain
• Irritability, anxiety and anger
• Loss of libido
• Changes in appetite
• Feelings of being overwhelmed, out of control and unable to cope
• Engaging in risk taking behaviour
• Feelings of isolation and disconnection from partner, friends or family
• Withdrawal from intimate relationships and from family, friends and community life
• Increased hours of work as a part of the withdrawal from family etc
• Increased use of drugs or alcohol instead of seeking treatment for depression

Please read our fact sheet: Men and Postnatal Depression (will open in a new window) and then see some of the websites below for further information.

The Raising Children's Network provides an introductory page to Becoming a dad: a big adjustment.

COPMI (Children of Parents with a Mental Illness) provide a range of media and information sheets on the Importance of being 'Dad'.
They also have an excellent booklet; Looking after your Emotional Wellbeing for dads, available to view here.

The Black Dog Institute has a small page of information for Fathers. Men also experience the pregnancy of their partners and the birth of a new baby as a stressful time period filled with new challenges and adjustment to routines.

Mensline provides a comprehensive website regarding men's emotions and mental health along with a wide range of associated topics.
They also have a 24 hour 7 day a week telephone support line: 1300 78 99 78

The Better Health Channel's Depression in Men page discusses how depression affects both men and women, but quite often what they experience and how they respond is different. Men tend to focus on the physical symptoms, such as feeling tired or losing weight, rather than emotional symptoms like feeling 'low'. This is one of the reasons depression in men may not be picked up.

Beyond Blue has a extensive page regarding depression and anxiety in men.

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