In 2004, when my story about postpartum depression/OCD appeared in Newsweek magazine, I had no idea I’d soon be starting a blog called Postpartum Progress and getting to know all of you. I just wanted to share my experience with someone … anyone … in hopes that I might be able to help one woman out there know that she wasn’t as alone as she thought she was.
Now five years later, in the same “My Turn” spot that my story appeared, comes the story of a dad who had postpartum depression. I don’t write about postpartum depression in men much, because my focus is squarely on moms, but I’m glad this father was courageous enough to talk about the depression he experienced during his child’s infancy. I hope his story encourages other men to reach out for help.
Here are some resources for fathers who get postpartum depression:
Men’s Health magazine on PPD in fathers
Katherine, thank you for your supportive comments on my piece in Newsweek. I have a book of essays coming out in June detailing more of my experiences being a divorced dad, mostly funny, so I hope you check it out: http://www.fortyyearoldversion.com
Best to you and your audience,
Joel Schwartzberg
You rock, Joel!
(you too Katherine) 🙂
Joel,
Thank you so much for sharing! We appreciate knowing others have found strength during challenging times.
I personally haven't felt any sort of postpartum depression after my daughter was born but I will say that we experience a similar, albeit less drastic, emotional roller coaster ride through the pregnancy and beyond.