ROSE HALL, St James — It’s not something often discussed in testosterone-fuelled societies like Jamaica but men can suffer from post-partum depression when a new baby arrives.

Younger males, especially those with a history of depression, relationship and financial challenges, tend to be more at risk.

“Our society dictates that the dads are the providers so, if I am not going to be able to financially take care of my responsibilities it is also a risk factor for the dads to have post-partum depression,” said lecturer at The University of West Indies, School of Nursing, Mona, Sheryl Garriques Lloyd.

She was addressing the second of a three-day conference for nurse practitioners in Jamaica. The 68th scientific seminar was held at the Hilton Rose Hall in St James.

“They, too, will experience sadness, fatigue and an overwhelmed feeling. They were prepared but… for a lot of dads it only dawns on them like a light bulb when the baby gets here. This is a totally different life experience. Life is about to change,” Garriques Lloyd explained.

She urged men to get the help and support they need if they struggle with depression after their child is born.

“One of the things that we are socialised [with], maybe it is not written, is that you need to put yourself last. That is not true so you are going to need to work on yourself,” she said as she noted that mothers ask for help when needed.

“You need to tell somebody that this is what is happening… sometimes you assume that men are the strong ones and should not be feeling like this but sometimes it is great to talk, because you may realise that you are not the only one,” suggested Garriques Lloyd.

Typically associated with women, post-partum depression (PPD) — also referred to as post-natal depression — is a complex mix of physical, emotional, and behavioural changes that begin within a few weeks after the birth of a child.

There are three categories: post-partum baby blues, which is not considered a disorder; post-partum depression; and post-partum psychosis. Up to 80 per cent of new mothers can experience baby blues, which start within two to three days after giving birth. These feelings normally go away within two weeks and without medical intervention.

Post-partum depression, on the other hand, begins within a week or two of the child’s birth and lasts more than two weeks. Post-partum depression, at the basic level, is described as very intense worry, sadness, and feeling down or worried about not being able to care for the child. It typically affects 10 to 20 per cent of first-time mothers.

Factors that can contribute to post-partum depression include unavailability of maternity leave, relationship challenges, unhealthy child delivery, and multiple births.

Post-partum psychosis is when a mother constantly thinks of harming herself or her baby. She may also experience hallucinations and delusions, sleep disturbances, and paranoia.

These conditions can be prevented in both men and women, Garriques Lloyd said. For individuals with a history of mental illness or depression it is recommended that they have an honest conversation with their health-care provider if a child is on the way or they are planning to become parents.

Garriques Lloyd was speaking on the topic ‘Postpartum blues and depression’.

The conference was held under the theme: ‘Maternal and Child Health — Building Blocks for a Secure Future’.