The study, published in Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology, found 9.7 per cent of fathers suffer postnatal depression in the first year of their child's life compared with 9.4 per cent for mothers,according to Telegraph.
Postnatal depression (PND) is a type of depression some women experience after they have had a baby. It usually develops in the first four to six weeks after childbirth, although in some cases it may not develop for several months. There is often no reason for the depression.Although postnatal depression is more common in women, men can be affected too. Male version of postpartum depression. Researchers now believe that some 10% of new fathers develop this.The symptoms in men can be different from those for women. Men may get irritable, even aggressive, when they're depressed. They can also engage in destructive behaviors, like drinking more alcohol or having extramarital affairs. But the root of the problem tends to be the same. While men don't have the same dramatic hormone shifts that women experience after birth, other stressors, including financial worries, marital changes, and sleep deprivation can all trigger depression in men.
Can acupuncture help?
A recent study in the Canadian Journal of Psychiatry suggests that acupuncture, as a stand-alone therapy, may be quite effective for mild to moderate depression. This particular study was a compilation of several different studies looking at the effectiveness of acupuncture at relieving the symptoms of mild to moderate depression. These studies looked at many different kinds of acupuncture including traditional acupuncture with needles, electro-acupuncture as well as laser acupuncture.
Many clinical studies have shown that acupuncture is significantly effective in treating postpartum depression,Postpartum depression treatment would use acupuncture points to help restore your yin and blood as well as help balance the flow of your Qi. This can help balance your mood, improve your sleep, and increase your appetite. Additionally, there are Chinese herbal formulas as well as nutritional suggestions that can help improve your condition as well.Expect to have several sessions before feeling your symptoms of postpartum depression lift. Some women feel a drastic change in their moods after just one acupuncture session, but this is rare. The majority of people feel better after a series of appointments, while others find that this treatment method does not affect them at all.
The Womenshealth.gov website lists these suggestions to help new moms rest up:
Limit the number of visitors you have.
Focus on just caring for your baby.
Eat well and try to get sleep.
Don't push yourself too hard.
Try not to worry about household chores or cleaning.
Ask for and accept help from friends and family.
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Reference:Manber R, Schnyer RN, Allen JJ, Rush AJ, Blasey CM.Acupuncture: a promising treatment for depression during pregnancy,J Affect Disord. 2004 Nov 15;83(1):89-95.
