By skyforbes 
However, men can experience PPD, whether they are new fathers or not. If you are feeling sad, anxious, or irritable after the birth of your baby or if you are having a hard time bonding with them, speak to your doctor or mental health professional. They can help you understand what is happening and get help for any problems that you may be experiencing. The first step is to decide if you need help. You should know what to do if you are concerned about PPD, including how to speak with your doctor about it and where to go for help.
What If I Already Have Postpartum Depression?
If you think that you have PPD and can’t seem to find the energy or make the time to get help, remember that you have a family who needs you, and there is nothing wrong with asking for support from others. In most cases, someone else may need to make the call for help because they’ll be able to explain your symptoms more clearly than you will. (This is especially true for men. If you are a new father, you may not feel comfortable telling others what is going on—if it makes you feel uncomfortable, have someone close to you call for help instead.) Or, if talking to someone on the phone isn’t right for you right now, you’re able to send a text message, write a letter or an email, or make a list of things that need to be done. Giving yourself some options can help reduce feelings of distress and anxiety. Grab a calendar, planner, or notebook and make notes about what needs to be done over the next few days. You may want to write down how you’re feeling, too. It can be helpful to keep a record of what you’ve been doing each day—even if it feels like nothing at all. If you are having trouble with this, try asking someone close to you for help, or suggest that they ask for professional advice for you. You may want to use a calendar or planner as a guide, or even make an appointment with your doctor or health care provider so that they can help you find the right mental health professional in your area. If talking on the phone is just too hard right now, have someone call and make the appointment for you. If you cannot call them back yourself, find someone else who can, or write down the instructions for calling on your calendar. You may also want to speak with friends or family members about the possibility of PPD. If you’re uncertain if you have PPD when you feel like this, share what is happening to someone in your life who has been through it before or loves to listen in support. Getting help is often a difficult first step—but it could benefit everyone involved.
Is It a Bad Idea to Talk to My Family About PPD?
It isn’t a bad idea at all. You may feel embarrassed, ashamed, or alone—but you are not. If your family knows what you are going through and how to help you, the burden on your shoulders can be lifted. They love you, want to help you, and know how important it is for your whole family that things start feeling better again soon. But if you feel that they cannot understand what you are going through, make sure to get a professional opinion before you decide that they don’t care. If your family believes that PPD is false or valid, they may not have enough empathy to realize how much help you need. Practicing Postpartum Depression Awareness Month every month of the year can help prevent PPD and other negative symptoms by getting the support and professional care you need before the baby is born. As with any type of mental illness, it is crucial to get help as soon as possible to manage your condition effectively. It can make a huge difference in your recovery process.
Recognizing Your Partner’s Postpartum Depression
The best ways to help a loved one suffering from postpartum depression are to show them love and support and speak to someone who can give them the help they need. As they work through their feelings and get professional care, you may be able to keep things steady at home by paying attention to their mood, sleep patterns, eating habits, energy level, and daily activities. If you find that there are specific things that you can do to help bring back the positive force in their life—like making sure that your home is clean, or that family time stays at a high priority—then do it. Whether you’re dating or just a good friend, recognize that PPD can affect people in different ways. While some may feel sad, irritable, and cry easily, others may withdraw from their family and friends. Recognize how your loved one is acting and search for the signs that may mean they need help.