Postpartum depression in partners/dads?

I did. My husband was depressed the first 6 months or so. Please pm if you want

How have you approached talking about this? I’m just thinking if he doesn’t like talking about it maybe there’s a sneakier way of addressing it so you can support: like do something nice he’d appreciate (maybe like his favourite dinner or movie or something) and if he asks why just mention he’s seemed a bit down and you want to help - see if that could lead to a conversation? My husband has had ups and downs mentally and this kind of thing always seemed to open up conversations for us - I think because he can see I want to action change rather than just talk, but obviously everyone’s different - hope this helps and he feels better soon!

Sometimes he gives me opportunities to bring up the topic, i will ask questions about how he is feeling or I will comment that he seems different/down. And I ask him questions about what might be making him feel that way and what I can do to help. I always tell him that he can always talk to me if anything is ever bothering him and I will always help and listen and be there for him (I say this not just when I think he is sad but every couple months I will bring it up as a reminder).

@Kate but that is a good suggestion I will try to do that more, thank you. He does sometimes engage in the conversation but I think he isn’t opening up fully which makes it hard. He needs good male role models who talk about their feelings and normalise the struggle and finding coping strategies but so many men think they shouldn’t have feelings :(

That is really challenging - maybe reiterate that you want to know how to support him and there’s no judgement - or even start the conversation with anything you’re struggling with atm and then ask if there’s anything he is - if he feels like you’re both in the same boat it may be easier? Hopefully you find something that works for him. Xo

Obviously taking is generally the way to go but most men I know won't do that. My dad went through a 'down' period and he started taking 'dim plus'. It's not medication, it's herbal but I know that it works for depression and anxiety as I take it. Obviously speak to a professional first as he maybe on other medications that it may not work with

My partner struggled with this for our first baby. Men cope with things differently to us and talking doesn’t tend to help them. We decided to put time to the side for him to go out and do his hobbies, see his friends and be himself over dad (just as important for mum to do this too) and then we also decided a night for “date night” so every Monday night we’d pick a film/game and have a little treat together. It’s annoying because deep down I always resented him a little for it since I did all the horrible nights and 99% of all the work but it’s still a big change for them. I recommend counselling or meeting up with dad groups but he is very old fashioned in the way of “I’ll just man up” so giving him time to do his things and have space helped us. With our second baby he’s been amazing and hasn’t wobbled at all 💕

men 100% get PPD and i actually saw a thread on reddit of someone (male) being diagnosed with PPD by the doctor etc, so it’s 100% a possibility. Try and see if he will open up to you, just ease into it saying you’ve noticed he hasn’t been himself, is he okay kinda thing and see what he says. it’s hard to help someone who doesn’t want to open up xx