Breaking Barriers: John’s Journey through Perinatal Mood Disorder

Case Study

• Patient Name: John (names are pseudonym for confidentiality)
• Gender: Male
• Age: 35
• Presenting Condition: Perinatal mood disorder (diagnosed by psychiatrist)
• Occupation: Stay at home father (previously in administration-based role)
• Family Structure: Same-sex couple, married to Adam, father to 18-month-old Henry
• Previous Relevant History: No prior history of mental health disorders reported, although heightened stress from fatherhood and anxiety started after Henry’s birth.

Introduction

In the ever-evolving landscape of mental health awareness and support, stories like John's are a testament to the importance of inclusivity and adapting to the unique needs of diverse individuals and families.

Although the patient has been deidentified, for the purpose of this case study, we will refer to him as John, along with his Husband Adam and their 18-month son Henry. John, a gay father, has recently become the first male participant in the Cognitive-Behaviour Therapy (CBT) for Mothers program at Belmont Private Hospital. His journey through perinatal mood disorder shines a spotlight on the pressing need for inclusive mental health care during the perinatal period.

John's experience with a perinatal mood disorder is a stark reminder that mental health issues can affect anyone, regardless of their gender or sexual orientation.

Recognising the Symptoms

• Initially, John coped well with the demands of parenthood, but as Henry grew, John began experiencing:
  • Overwhelming anxiety
  • Persistent sadness
  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Feelings of inadequacy as a parent
• John’s emotional distress intensified due to his fear of seeking help, compounding his mental health challenges.

Key Stats

Perinatal mood disorders are not exclusive to mothers. Research shows:

• Up to 1 in 10 heterosexual fathers experience depression during pregnancy or post-birth (Giallo Research Institute, 2012).
• In same-sex couples, the incidence of perinatal depression in gay fathers is 12%, compared with 8.8% in fathers from the general population (Adler Institute, 2023).

Seeking Support and Breaking Stigmas

• John was referred to Belmont Private Hospital’s parenting programs by his psychiatrist.
• After a detailed assessment, Gaye Foster, the program facilitator, recognised that John’s symptoms closely aligned with those of mothers participating in the CBT for Mothers program.
• Despite knowing he would be the only male in the group, John bravely agreed to join the program.
• The program, originally designed for mothers, adapted to include John, highlighting its commitment to inclusivity.
• John was warmly welcomed by the other participants, breaking stigmas around fatherhood and perinatal mental health.

Treatment and Recovery

Program Enrolment

John participated in Belmont Private Hospitals the Cognitive-Behaviour Therapy (CBT) for Mothers program, which traditionally supports mothers experiencing perinatal mood disorders.

Treatment Components

• Cognitive Restructuring: John learned to identify and challenge unhelpful thoughts that contributed to his feelings of anxiety and depression (Huang et. al. 2018).
• Behavioral Activation: The program helped John re-engage with positive activities, focusing on enhancing his relationship with his son Henry (Nikandish & Saijadian, 2024)
• Mindfulness Practices: John was introduced to techniques to manage his emotional responses and cope with stress (Kabat-Zinn Centre, 1990).

Group Therapy

• The group sessions provided a safe space for John to connect with other parents, offering mutual support and a sense of community.
• His participation helped challenge the stigma around men’s mental health, especially in the perinatal context.

Ongoing Care

• John continues to see his psychiatrist for regular check-ins and support.
• He remains committed to attending the weekly CBT Follow-Up group, where he receives continued guidance and encouragement as he navigates fatherhood and his mental health recovery.

A Hopeful Future for All Parents

John’s journey illustrates the critical importance of inclusive mental health care during the perinatal period. His story reminds us that:

• Every parent, regardless of gender or sexual orientation, deserves access to the support and treatment they need during parenthood.
• With the right care and community, perinatal mood disorders can be overcome, allowing parents to embrace the challenges and joys of parenthood.

By breaking down barriers and challenging stereotypes, John and his family are paving the way for more inclusive and compassionate mental health care for all parents, ensuring no one feels excluded when seeking help.

References

Adler Institute, 2023. Postpartum depression among gay fathers with children born through surrogacy: A cross-sectional study. Journal of Psychiatric Practice, 29(1), pp.3-10.

Giallo Research Institute, 2012. Psychological distress across early parenthood: Mental health trajectories and the influence of stressors experienced by mothers and fathers. Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology, 47(11), pp.195-205.

Huang L, Zhao Y, Qiang C, Fan B, 2018. Is cognitive behavioral therapy a better choice for women with postnatal depression? A systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS One.

Kabat-Zinn Centre, 1990. Full catastrophe living: Using the wisdom of your body and mind to face stress, pain, and illness. New York: Delta.

Nikandish Z, Sajjadian I, 2024. The effectiveness of behavioral activation therapy on the symptoms of depression, rumination, and social-occupational functioning impairment among women with postpartum depression. J Educ Health Promotion.