Speeding through the night at three in the morning, something felt different. I didn’t hear the usual whine of sirens which I used to switch on for emergency calls as an EMT, nor did I check in with Dispatch over the radio. This call was personal. My wife was seven months pregnant, and the premature birth of our baby was a terrifying reality.
Premature birth, like ours, is one of the many factors that can lead to postpartum depression (PPD) in fathers. While PPD is widely recognized in mothers, it affects approximately 10% of fathers as well. Understanding the causes, recognizing the symptoms, and seeking appropriate support can make a significant difference.
The NICU Experience
Our son was born at 3:30 a.m. on February 4, 2016. Weighing just over four pounds, he was the tiniest baby I had ever seen. Although he was perfect in every way, watching him being wheeled away to an incubator, covered in tubes and wires for life support, was devastating. Days turned into nights, and nights into days, but my wife and I remained by our son’s side, leaving only for brief naps and meals.
The variation in communication and empathy among the medical staff was striking. Some staff members seemed irritated by our presence and questions, while others welcomed our involvement. They listened to our concerns, explained the treatment options, and encouraged us to participate in our son’s care. When a nurse allowed us to hold and feed our son for the first time, it was an indescribable joy.
Recognizing PPD
Postpartum depression (PPD) in men can be influenced by various factors, including complications during pregnancy or birth, stress, lack of sleep, and a history of mental health issues. The risk of PPD increases significantly—by up to five times—if their partner is also experiencing PPD.
While women with PPD may show symptoms like crying, loss of interest, and feelings of guilt, men often exhibit different signs. Common indicators in men include anger, risk-taking behaviors, emotional detachment, and escapism through excessive work or substance use.
It’s not unusual for someone other than the father to first notice these struggles and encourage him to seek help. Recognizing these differences in symptoms is crucial for timely support and intervention.
Costs of PPD in Men
The consequences of not seeking help for postpartum depression can be profound. Men are four times more likely to die by suicide than women, highlighting the serious implications of untreated mental health issues. Furthermore, a father’s mental health significantly impacts his children’s development. Research shows that children of depressed fathers during their first year are at a higher risk for behavioral and developmental challenges in kindergarten.
Preventing PPD
The first step in preventing PPD in men is to provide strong support to their wives. Fostering teamwork before the birth and ensuring that she has the time to rest and receive support during the first six weeks postpartum is crucial. Additionally, having a doula present during childbirth can reduce the risk of PPD by nearly 64%.
Cellular Insights into Postpartum Depression
Several lifestyle changes and practices can help support men with PPD both on a psychiatric and cellular level:
- Fasting: This practice can stimulate autophagy and may also help improve mood and reduce symptoms of depression.
- Exercise: Regular physical activity not only enhances autophagy but is also well-documented for its positive effects on mental health, including reducing symptoms of PPD.
- Quality Sleep: The majority of cell recycling occurs while we sleep. Adequate sleep is crucial for mental health and can enhance autophagy.
- Nutrient Modulation: Compounds like curcumin (found in turmeric) have potential mood-enhancing properties and can promote autophagy.
- Cold Exposure: Cold showers, ice baths, or exposure to cold temperatures can promote autophagy.
- Heat Therapy: Using saunas can also encourage autophagy by inducing heat shock proteins.
Nutritional Supplementation:
The following supplements reduce depressive symptoms but also increase the rate of recycling of old and dead cells known as autophagy.
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Omega 3’s have anti-inflammatory properties, which can reduce neuroinflammation—a factor often associated with depression. Omega-3s support the brain’s ability to clear out damaged or dysfunctional components, aiding in mental health recovery.
- Vitamin D: A systematic review indicated that vitamin D supplementation can lead to notable improvements in mood. Research suggests that vitamin D can enhance autophagy in various cell types by activating certain signaling pathways, particularly the mTOR pathway, which regulates cell growth and metabolism.
- B Vitamins: B vitamins are essential for synthesizing neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, which can influence mood and cognitive function. B vitamins support autophagy through their roles in energy production, nucleotide synthesis, gene regulation, oxidative stress reduction, and neurotransmitter synthesis.
Finding Hope and Healing
In the months following my son’s birth, both my wife and I had our share of dark days. Immersing myself in my work in medicine, recounting our NICU experience, as well as the recommendations above, became a vital part of processing the challenges we had faced. This journey transformed my perspective on healthcare and inspired my pursuit of becoming a Physician Assistant (PA) with a focus on mental health. This experience helped me understand the critical importance of compassionate care and listening. It has been an honor to support patients through traumas and psychiatric challenges.
Integrative Care at Denova
If you or someone you care about is facing mental health challenges, consider contacting Denova Healthcare for virtual or in-person services in primary care, therapy, and psychiatry—often available within 24 hours. Therapy can provide essential support and coping strategies, while psychiatry helps determine when medication may be necessary. Additionally, primary care is crucial for postpartum health, ensuring ongoing well-being. Taking this step is vital for recovery.
Dr. Fong, a long-time provider at Denova and a prominent advocate for mental health in Arizona, emphasizes that “Asking for help doesn’t indicate a problem; it shows your commitment to being the best father and husband you can be!”
