Understanding Male Perspectives on Postpartum Depression in India: A Review of Awareness, Attitudes, and Support Mechanisms

Abstract

Postpartum depression (PPD) is a noteworthy mental health issue confronting women all over the globe. As PPD is relatively unknown among men in India, awareness is only about 30% and is often confused with sadness, fatigue or some other vague concern. The issue arises due to cultural discrimination, traditional views toward the male figure of the family, and poor education on mental wellness. Emotionally, men have a difficult time dealing with issues due to the expectation of mental strength," and healthcare workers routinely exclude the male partner from the discussions around the mental health of the mother, resulting in a lack of services. Educative campaigns, assistive measures for men, and the incorporation of mental health services into pre and post-natal care are essential to help recognize PPD at its early stages and adequately support the women suffering. This literature review seeks to explore available literature on the understanding of PPD by men from the Indian context, focusing on attitudes and social norms regarding culture and coping hardships.