Equalizing Gender Health: Screening Men for Postpartum Depression
New research highlights that postpartum depression affects men and parents of all genders Elena Sheppard emphasizes the urgent need for depression screenings in new parents, as the overall well-being of the family hinges upon it
Elena Sheppard is a culture writer with a focus on literature, fashion, theater, and history. She is set to release her debut book titled "The Eternal Forest: A Memoir of the Cuban Diaspora" with St. Martins Press. The opinions expressed here are solely her own. Read more of Elena's viewpoints on CNN.
Following the birth of my twins, I was asked to complete a survey while still recuperating in the hospital. Alongside the paperwork for my boys, I was given the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale to assess my mental health during the perinatal period.
Elena Sheppard
Attributed to Elena Sheppard, I completed a form in which I answered prompts like, "I have been so unhappy that I have had difficulty sleeping." I felt a sense of relief when I was able to mark "No, not at all" instead of "Yes, most of the time." Over the next six months, I was asked to complete the same survey at every pediatrician appointment for my sons and postpartum appointment for me. It was made clear to me that postpartum depression is a possibility for up to a year after giving birth.
The responsibilities that came with the arrival of our sons also had a significant impact on my husband's life, even though he was never pregnant. It's concerning that he was never asked about his mental state during any of our appointments and it's important for doctors to understand that the mental health of both parents is crucial for the well-being of the baby. I was screened for depression by our sons pediatrician and my own physician, and I believe that all new parents should be screened for depression as the overall family's health depends on it.
Approximately 1 in 7 postpartum women experience postpartum depression, which can severely impact their ability to care for themselves and their child. Unfortunately, less than 50% of new mothers in the United States are routinely screened for this condition. Early detection is crucial in order to provide highly effective treatment for those suffering from postpartum depression. It's estimated that half of affected women do not receive treatment, and mental health conditions contribute to maternal mortality in the US. Screening for postpartum depression is a vital step in supporting new mothers.
Zuranolone, a new postpartum depression pill, was found to be safe and effective in a new Phase 3 trial.
Feinstein Institutes
First postpartum depression pill now available in the US, drugmakers say
Paternal postpartum depression is a significantly under-discussed issue when it comes to fathers. Research suggests that as many as 8% to 10% of new fathers experience this type of depression. Risk factors include disrupted sleep schedules, hormone changes, and the various stresses associated with welcoming a new child, including financial, emotional, and social changes. Additionally, men with a history of depression are more vulnerable. Despite its common occurrence, I had never even heard of paternal postpartum depression until my husband was affected. This needs to change.
During the early weeks of our twins' lives, my husband fulfilled my expectations of being a loving, gentle, and kind parent. However, his behavior suddenly changed. He became distracted, forgetful, distant, and quick to anger. At first, I attributed it to exhaustion, but I reached a breaking point.
He started experiencing irrational fears and thoughts, believing that the babies were plotting against him and admitting that he felt nothing when looking at them. He struggled to handle their cries and would shut down, leaving me to take on the majority of the childcare responsibilities with two newborns. This put a strain on both of us and I'm sure it affected our children as well.
"For a long time, we believed postpartum depression was hormonally related only. Now we know that hormones are a part of it, but there are a host of other variables that contribute to it," Karen Kleiman, founder and executive director of the Postpartum Stress Center, told me. The center has been working with perinatal patients since 1988. Added Kleiman: "We know that adoptive mothers get postpartum depression, and now we know that men who do not give birth can also experience full-blown clinical depression."
Abby Phillip with her daughter.
Abby Phillip/CNN
Title: My Unexpected Home Birth Story
I consider myself fortunate that my husband was already in therapy when he became a father, and that his therapist promptly identified his condition and provided the necessary medical assistance. I can't imagine what would have happened if he hadn't been receiving treatment, and how long our family would have endured his suffering. After starting medication and continuing with therapy, he was back to his usual self within weeks. His condition was clinical and treatable, but the key was getting the proper diagnosis.
Recent research conducted among a small group of new fathers has determined that screening men for postpartum depression could significantly benefit both the men and their families. The study also revealed that men may be more reluctant to seek mental health services, but receiving help when necessary can greatly improve the overall happiness and wellness of the entire family.
Between 2002 and 2021, sixteen studies have emphasized the importance of addressing paternal depression, underscoring the need for a treatment approach that focuses on the entire family. Traditionally, the primary focus has been on maternal depression and its impact on child outcomes, but these studies have demonstrated the significant influence of a father's mental health on the well-being of the child as well. Untreated depression in fathers can jeopardize a child's mental health.
After my husband's diagnosis, we made an effort to be open about our experience, but I encountered eye-rolling and laughter from many of the people I confided in. It was disheartening to be questioned about whether he was trying to avoid his duties as a parent or whether he even "deserved" to be suffering from postpartum depression, as if it were a choice.
These reactions highlight the urgent need to destigmatize this issue and provide support for those who are suffering. According to Kleiman, many dads facing mental health challenges are being overlooked by the medical community, particularly those entering parenthood with untreated depression. She emphasized the importance of screening both parents after the birth of a baby.
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In 2022, when my sons were born, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported 3,661,220 births in the United States. Roughly, if 10% of new fathers experience postpartum depression, that would be 366,122 men. This is a significant number of individuals who could potentially be impacted by something that is not being screened for or is sometimes dismissed as an excuse, a cop-out, or even a joke.
In this country, we do very little to support new parents. Screening every new parent for postpartum depression, regardless of the birthing parent, is a small step we can take to help families become their healthiest selves.
