Not only experienced by moms, the baby blues syndrome can also be experienced by dads. This syndrome may affect infants’ development. A study reveals that 23 in every 1,000 dads-to-be will suffer from heightened stress in the first trimester of pregnancy of their partners and about 43 out of 1,000 dads are also reported feeling depressed over a period of at least nine months after the baby is born. The study also reveals that most dads tend to be silent sufferers. In fact, the effect of untreated Daddy Blues Syndrome may lower mood, cause eruptions of emotion, and even create a distant emotional relationship with their babies. Children born to dads with paternal depression are more likely to suffer from emotional and behavioural problems. These are the reasons why Daddy Blues Syndrome patients should get treated for depression immediately. Academics from the University of Auckland, New Zealand involved 3,523 people aged 16-63 in a study published in the journal JAMA Psychiatry. Both expecting moms and dads experience changes in their hormone levels and brain structure, but the moms are more likely to suffer from depression. Study leader Dr Lisa Underwood also mentioned that dads’ influence on the children has been recognised as vital for psychosocial and cognitive development. She continued by saying, "Given that paternal depression can have direct or indirect effects on children, it is important to recognise and treat the depression symptoms experienced by dads since early stage. Screening needs to be targeted at all expecting dads and new dads.” Abigail Wood of the National Childbirth Trust added that many new dads experienced increased stress and anxiety before and after the birth of their babies, some would suffer from antenatal and postnatal depression. Although for moms and dads, pregnancies are supposed to be one of the happiest moments in their lives, major changes and total transformation can cause stress, anxieties, and prenatal depression. It is important for dads who worry about their mental health to understand that they are not alone. "This is normal and dads need to consult his doctor or mental health specialist so as not to affect his life and the lives of his children," Wood said.

Text by Denistya Sagita

Stock photos from Mominus

Source(s):

• https://www.thesun.co.uk/living/2872413/stress-of- a-new- baby-puts- dads-at- risk-of- the-baby-blues-too- experts-warn/
• https://www.babycenter.com/404_can-men- get-the- baby-blues_3870.bc