Can a man have post partum depression? Long

rerasmom10

I had my DD on the 18th of May and about a week after she was born, my DH became really moody. It's like he had the baby and his hormones went crazy. He hardly talks to me anymore. He tells me that no one tells him that he is doing a good job with the girls. He doesnt want me to touch him. We dont sleep in the same room and I feel rejected in every way by him. He says that there is nothing wrong, but I know that there is. The one thing that bothers me the most is that he acts like he is 100% in love with me when we around other couples. When we are home he acts like I dont exist. He has shot down counseling together or seperate. I dont know if I am reading to much into his actions or if they mean anything. I know that he is not cheating but I am not sure if he just doesnt love me as much anymore. Has anyone gone through anything like this? If so, how did you handle it? I've tried talking, yelling, not talking, date nights, leaving him alone and I am at my wits end.

fryrat

technically, no, since ppd is caused by hormones. that's not to say he could not get depressed at that time... men go through suddenly feeling inadequate, lisung thwir place and not being your #1 anymore, not being able to "fix it", either with feeding or not knowing what lo wants, etc. a lot of what they go rhrough, we take for gramted.

moonfaerie

I think it's normal for men to get depressed after a baby, too. It's a hard adjustment. He may also have issues at work that he is bringing home. Even if your DH won't go to counseling, it may help you go on your own to explore this in depth and figure out ways to handle it.

I'm so sorry you're going through this with your husband. It's a rough time for both of you, and it's really sad that you cannot work through it as a team. Sending you e-hugs.

LER091811

Not PPD exactly, but it is possible for anyone to become depressed after a major life change, like having a baby.

tarajayne

Sleep deprivation can lead to depression too so I'm sure it's not uncommon for men to have something like ppd.  I don't have any experience, but I too sending you hugs.  I hope he agrees to getting help soon, if not for him, then for your DD.

stemms8810

Like others have said, I think it's possible for your partner to become depressed from this major life change.  I think you should seek counseling yourself even if he is refusing right now.

mrsshawnavanb

I am going through something very similar right now. I too am struggling with how to handle it and have also tried to talk, yell, ignore it, etc. DH just says that he doesn't know how to explain it. He is great with DD and always loving on her, but no longer is very affectionate with me. My friends have told me that this is normal and that their relationships also struggled at first but that doesn't make it any easier. I just want to feel close to my husband again. Sorry, I don't have any advice but wanted to let you know that I feel your pain.