Paternal & Partner Mental Health in the Perinatal Period
Did you know…
1 in 10 dad’s and partners develop perinatal mental health disorders?
And if the birthing person has a perinatal mental health disorder there is a 24 to 50% increased risk of their partner developing perinatal depression and 10 to 17% increased risk of developing perinatal anxiety.
This is why we also need to look out for paternal and partner mental health and why at Wild Path Counselling therapy is offered to a birthing person or partner.
How might might paternal mental health or partner mental health show up in the perinatal period.
Anger, rage, sadness, frustration, overwhelm, burnout.
Feeling a lack of control or difficulty in knowing how to help or support.
Frustration about the way that the baby has “taken over” so much time.
Worry and anxiety about your partner or baby.
Feeling financial pressure and strain on you.
Questioning who you are and your identity and relationship identity.
Struggling to sleep or sleeping too much.
Eating too much or not enough.
Physical symptoms like headaches, gastrointestinal issues, tension, exhaustion.
Utilizing numbing behaviours like increase in substance use or increased social media and media consumption.
Disconnect and withdrawal from friends and family.
Intrusive thoughts, thoughts of harm or thoughts of suicide.
Finding so many triggers come up now that you are a parent and your own experiencing of being parented is showing up.
Having support can make a difference for paternal mental health or partner mental health in the perinatal period.
Maybe you have been taught that you shouldn’t show emotion. Or that it’s weak to ask for help. You should be the strong one. Or perhaps, that it’s best to sweep things under the rug. Supporting your partner is all that you should be focussing on.
When we keep things so internal they do not have anywhere else to go. They can slowly consume you and come out in explosive emotion, irritability, risky behaviours, substance use, withdrawal or collapse.
No matter what you have been taught about emotions, weakness or strength, you are important and taking care of your mental health is important too.
Finding an open space to process what you have been going through can provide relief. It will also support you in being a better version of yourself, being a better partner, and being a better parent.
Navigating pregnancy, postpartum, and parenting is a lot.
Caring about yourself is not weakness, you will find it is actually a source of strength.