From the assault case at Nghe An hospital: Warning of postpartum depression in men

After days of staying up all night taking care of his premature baby, the man lost control and caused a heartbreaking incident at Nghe An Obstetrics and Pediatrics Hospital. Although the specific cause is still being investigated, the story also raises the issue of postpartum crisis in men.

Men can also suffer from postpartum depression - Illustration: LAP

From impulsive behavior to signs of mental instability

On October 23, at Nghe An Obstetrics and Pediatrics Hospital, a serious incident occurred that shocked public opinion: a man used a knife to attack and injure 5 people, including 3 medical staff and 2 patient relatives.

According to information from Nghe An Provincial Police, a man named Ban Van Vy (from Bac Ninh ) brought his wife back to his hometown to give birth at Nghe An Obstetrics and Pediatrics Hospital on October 17. After the cesarean section, one of the twins was in poor health and required intensive treatment.

Believing that his child was not receiving proper attention and suspecting that he had been "switched", Vy lost control and used a knife to attack, injuring 5 people.

The verification results showed that Vy had no criminal record, did not use drugs, and was not under psychiatric treatment. He admitted to staying up all night taking care of his child for many days, and was mentally unstable, anxious, and extremely stressed.

The wife confirmed that her husband was an active and sociable person. The previous days he was normal and showed no unusual symptoms.

That impulsive, violent and unusual action stemmed from frustration while taking care of a newborn baby who was receiving intensive treatment at the hospital.

After the heartbreaking incident, many people asked: is this a manifestation of postpartum depression in men, an issue that is rarely properly recognized in society?

Postpartum depression: not just a mother's story

According to the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), postpartum depression has long been a topic of discussion among women, as they are the ones who experience profound hormonal and physiological changes when giving birth. However, modern research shows that about 1 in 10 fathers can also suffer from postpartum depression.

The cause is not only due to psychological pressure but also due to hormonal changes in the father during the pregnancy and postpartum period of his partner. When becoming parents, men also have to face a series of changes: lack of sleep, financial stress, fluctuations in the relationship, feeling "not good enough" to take care of the child or excessive worry about the child's health.

These changes can lead to symptoms such as irritability, withdrawal, insomnia, alcoholism, or aggressive behavior, but often go undetected or are labeled as "weak" or "lacking in courage."

Dr. Ngo Thi Thanh Huong - Psychiatrist (Institute of Applied Medical Technology) - said that the rate of depression in men after their wives give birth can be up to 7-8%. In cases where the wife or child has health problems, this rate is even higher.

"Many men have the mentality of being the breadwinner, bearing the economic pressure, taking care of children, family conflicts... causing them to fall into a state of stress and easily have extreme emotions," Dr. Huong explained.

According to Ms. Huong, the biggest barrier is gender stereotypes. Men are often taught to be strong, not to cry, not to show emotions. This makes it difficult for them to seek help, and when pressure exceeds the limit, uncontrollable behavior can occur.

Therefore, experts also recommend that families and society need to change their views on men's emotions, they also have the right to be weak, to share and to be helped. And postpartum depression is not only a story of women but also of men.

In the incident at Nghe An Maternity and Pediatrics Hospital, although the specific cause has not been determined, this is a warning bell about the need to pay more attention to the mental health of fathers during the period when their wives give birth and take care of young children.

Counseling, screening, and early detection of symptoms of stress, insomnia, and prolonged anxiety are necessary, not only for mothers, but also for fathers.

WILLOW

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/tu-vu-hanh-hung-o-benh-vien-nghe-an-canh-bao-tram-cam-sau-sinh-o-nam-gioi-20251025162108154.htm