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Sympathy Pains

Sympathy Pains

Feelings of helplessness, loss of interest in hobbies and sex, feeling like you won't be able to take care of your new child...these have all been classic signs of postpartum depression in women, but experts say they can occur with new dads, too.

Psychotherapist Will Courtenay says that a combination of stress, a lack of sleep and lower levels of testosterone can lead to a male version of postpartum depression.

"If a man doesn't get effective treatment for his depression, it could have damaging, long-term consequences for himself, his marriage, his career and his child," he tells CNN.

If you have a history of depression and you've got a baby on the way, now is a good time to bring this up with your doctor. The two of you can come up with a plan to manage your depression and be the best new dad you can be.

There are some people who think that sympathy pains, and possibly this new medical condition, are a bunch of bunk. Do you believe that men could suffer similarly to their partners after a new baby is born?

Posted: 10/22/08
vlamp66

i do belive men can suffer simularly to their partners and its very real. stress and worry and anxiety just like the woman in their lives who gave birth. it was proabably always there all through the pregnancy and it would have shown itself sooner if it werent for the fact that the men are supposed to be tough and be the providers and the strong ones. it is what men expect of themselves and it is what is taught to them all their lives.

  • By vlamp66
  • on 10/23/08 12:08 PM EST
LauraLee311

Yes, I believe men can suffer from depression after a baby is born. There are two sides to every coin. Of course a baby is a wonderful, exciting, beautiful blessing to a family, but it brings a lot of extra stress, lack of sleep and worries. Everyone is different, and if some men are more prone to anxiety and depression, and help out with the night-time feedings (which leads to sleep deprivation), then they very well could suffer during this time.