In recent years, you’ve likely seen that increased media attention—including stories shared by celebrities and other public figures—has helped bring greater awareness to postpartum depression (PPD) in mothers. This is a great thing! However, one important part of this conversation often receives less attention: fathers and non-birthing partners can experience postpartum depression, too.
Paternal PPD is widely considered to be even more underdiagnosed than maternal PPD. Some of the barriers include lack of routine screening for fathers, lack of resources and support groups, as well as professionals’ lack of education about frequent differences in paternal PPD compared to maternal PPD (read more about this below!). Some experts on paternal PPD have strongly encouraged hospitals and other birthing centers to assess fathers, and also suggest using the Gotland Male Depression Scale (GMDS) instead of the more commonly used Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), since the GMDS specifically screens for male-vulnerable depressive symptoms.
Additionally, many men have been either explicitly or implicitly taught that expressing vulnerable emotions (or even feeling them!) is a sign of weakness and not socially acceptable. These expectations can make it challenging to recognize emotional distress or talk openly about it, let alone seek professional help.
What does Paternal PPD look like?
Though more research needs to be conducted, current studies suggest that PPD affects approximately 1 in 7 (10-15%) of new mothers, and roughly 1 in 10 (8–10%) of new fathers, although estimates vary depending on the study, population, and timeframe examined. In comparison to mothers—whose symptoms often emerge in the first few weeks or months after delivery—paternal postpartum depression most frequently sets in or becomes most intense around 3 to 6 months after the baby's arrival. However, symptoms can develop or linger at any point throughout the entire first year post-birth.
PPD in fathers also frequently presents with different symptoms. While mothers more typically report symptoms of what many of us associate with “classic” depression- persistent crying, feelings of hopelessness or sadness, severe guilt or feelings of inadequacy- men are more likely to exhibit the following:
Irritability or anger
Aggression or a short temper
Emotional numbness or detachment
Social withdrawal
Increased work or other forms of escape (staying late hours at work, playing video games excessively)
Physical symptoms (headaches, stomach discomfort)
Increase in risky behaviors (increased alcohol or substance use)
Suicidality
Paternal PPD versus “Daddy Blues”
The early weeks and months of parenting can of course be very exhausting. Interrupted sleep, changing routines, increased responsibilities, and the pressure to care for a newborn can leave even energetic, well-supported parents feeling overwhelmed. You may occasionally feel irritable, miss your previous routine, or need time alone to recharge. These experiences do not automatically indicate depression that requires treatment- so how can you differentiate between postpartum depression and short-term “daddy blues?”
Here are some examples:
Low aggression threshold - A father with “blues” might feel short-tempered due to a lack of sleep but is able to reset, while one experiencing PPD may experience hostility, low frustration tolerance, or explosive outbursts over small issues
Compulsive escapism - While a tired dad might look forward to a few video games or a break by himself, one experiencing PPD may actively use workaholism, excessive gaming, gambling or increased alcohol use to physically and emotionally escape
Anhedonia and emotional flattening - “The blues” can cause fluctuating moods, but moments of joy and connection with the newborn and other family members is still present. True PPD can bring anhedonia (feelings of numbness or detachment) and reported feelings of complete lack of interest in engagement with the baby and sometimes the partner or spouse.
Feeling unable to cope, even when support is available - If a father consistently feels hopeless, overwhelmed, emotionally shut down, or unable to manage everyday responsibilities, even with a supportive partner, family and friends, PPD may be present and he may benefit from professional support.
Causes and Predictive Factors
Causes
There are often intersecting causes contributing to paternal PPD, including the following:
Hormone fluctuations (for example- new fathers often experience a dip in testosterone which can contribute to depression,
Chronic sleep deprivation
Role and identity transition
Familial or marital conflict
Predictive Factors
Studies have found that having a partner with maternal PPD is the most significant predictor for paternal PPD, and studies suggest that this may explain why paternal PPD often occurs slightly later since it may be activated by maternal PPD symptoms (citation here). If a woman experiences postpartum depression, her partner’s risk of developing PPD increases by 50%. Here are other risk factors that may put a new father at higher risk for developing paternal PPD:
Lack of social supports
Lack of positive parenting role models in family of origin
Relational conflict with partner
History of trauma or pre-existing mental health conditions (in self or family of origin)
Stressors related to finances, career, or family
Feelings of exclusion from infant bonding
What happens if Paternal PPD is untreated?
Paternal PPD should not be ignored or minimized. Not only does it affect the well-being of the father, but also his partner, baby, and other children. Research indicates that untreated paternal depression is correlated with parenting struggles and adverse outcomes for children- for example, children who live with a depressed father are estimated to be 50% more likely to develop behavioral or emotional problems. Fathers experiencing untreated PPD are at higher risk of relationship conflict, substance abuse, suicidal thoughts or attempts, and comorbidity with other mental health concerns.
What can you do if you think you have postpartum depression?
The first step is recognizing that you do not have to navigate this experience alone and knowing that safe, non-judgmental support is available. Although awareness and access to specialized care still need improvement, effective treatments and supportive resources do exist!
Seek professional support. If you already have a therapist- excellent! Be sure to voice your concerns and share anything you have experienced since becoming a new parent. If you do not have a therapist, finding one that is trained in assessing for and treating paternal PPD is particularly helpful.
Different therapeutic approaches may be helpful depending on your needs. Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT), for example, can support you in learning to make room for difficult emotions without allowing those emotions to dictate their actions. ACT techniques can help you reconnect with your values and consider what kind of father and partner you want to be, even when the transition to parenthood feels overwhelming. Somatic therapy techniques can be helpful in guiding you to address physical and nervous system stress of early caregiving through identifying and accepting difficult experiences, then identifying practical ways to regulate your nervous system.
Couples therapy is also highly recommended during this time. Gottman-trained couples therapists, for example, can support you and your partner in adjusting to this major life transition, as well as learning how to effectively communicate, express emotions and needs to each other, and adjust role performance as needed.
Lastly, psychiatric medication is frequently helpful in treating paternal PPD, particularly if symptoms are severe and difficult to manage with therapy alone. Your therapist or PCP can support in referring you to a psychiatric prescriber who can assess and determine whether an anti-depressant or other medication is necessary.Prioritize your physical well-being. Take care of your physical self as much as possible! If you have not seen your PCP for some time, make sure that you schedule your annual physical, and follow up with any recommendations your doctor may have. Take any medications as prescribed.
We all know that, while exercise and a healthy diet is recommended for everyone, finding the time to take care of oneself while taking care of an infant is usually challenging. However, there are some ways to get creative, such as jogging or walking with the baby in the carriage, doing stretches during breaks at work. For food, identify easy to make meals and snacks that can be frozen and reheated, or do not require cooking.Connect with other parents. Sometimes, hearing another father say, "I've felt that way, too," can make an enormous difference. Friends that are also parents, peer support groups, and parenting groups can help reduce isolation and provide opportunities to share experiences with people who understand the challenges of new parenthood. Postpartum Support International (PSI) is a wonderful organization which also provides an abundance of online resources, including monthly support chats for new fathers.
Prioritize rest whenever possible. Although uninterrupted sleep may not be realistic with a newborn, consider how you and your partner can share responsibilities and create opportunities for rest.
Communicate openly with your partner. Try to find small, manageable moments to talk about how each of you is feeling. Instead of waiting until frustration builds, share your needs early and approach the conversation with curiosity rather than blame.
Accept help from others. If family members or trusted friends offer assistance, consider accepting it. You can also ask directly for help with meals, errands, household responsibilities, or occasional childcare so you can rest or attend an appointment.
Make time to connect with your baby. Skin-to-skin contact is a meaningful way to build connection when appropriate and comfortable for you and your baby (and an opportunity to give your partner a break!).
Notice your coping habits without judging yourself. If you find yourself relying increasingly on alcohol, excessive gaming, gambling, or other behaviors to escape difficult feelings, consider what those behaviors may be helping you avoid. Therapy can help you develop alternative ways to manage distress.
Make room for difficult emotions. You can feel grateful for your baby and overwhelmed by parenthood at the same time. You can love your family and still miss aspects of your previous life. Mindfulness, breathing exercises, brief moments of quiet, and other stress-management strategies may help you pause and respond more intentionally when emotions run high.
Use paternal leave if available. Time away from work may give you opportunities to bond with your baby, share caregiving responsibilities, and adjust to your new routine. If leave is not available, consider what other practical supports might help reduce the pressure you are experiencing.
How can you support a partner or friend who may be experiencing paternal postpartum depression?
If you are concerned about a new father in your life, here are some great ways to help:
Express concern without blame. Choose a quiet moment to talk. Rather than labeling his behavior or suggesting that he is not handling fatherhood well, share what you have noticed and express that you care about him. For example, you might say, "I've noticed that you've seemed more overwhelmed and withdrawn lately. I'm concerned about you, and I want you to know that I'm here if you'd like to talk."
Listen without trying to fix everything. Give him space to speak without immediately offering solutions, minimizing his concerns, or telling him how he should feel.
Offer specific, practical assistance. Instead of simply saying, "Let me know if you need anything," offer to bring dinner, help with an errand, or give him time to rest while you assist with an appropriate caregiving task.
Stay connected. Continue checking in, inviting them to spend time together, and reminding them that they are still valued as a friend and individual.
Encourage professional support. If his symptoms persist or interfere with daily life, gently encourage him to speak with a therapist or healthcare professional. Offer to help find resources or accompany him to an appointment if that would be useful.
If you are a partner who is also struggling, remember that supporting someone else does not mean you must ignore your own mental health. Both parents deserve care and support.
You deserve support, too.
Becoming a father can be one of life's most meaningful transitions, but that does not mean it is always easy. If you are struggling, please remember: postpartum depression is not a character flaw, and asking for help is not a sign of weakness.
At Invicta Wellness Center, we understand that the transition to parenthood can bring unexpected emotional challenges for both parents! Therapy can provide a supportive space to explore what you are experiencing, develop effective coping strategies, and strengthen your relationships.
Visit invictawellnesscenter.com to learn more about how individual therapy or couples therapy may support you and your family.
Helpful Resources
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: In the United States, call or text 988 if you are experiencing a mental health crisis or need immediate emotional support.
SAMHSA National Helpline: Call 1-800-662-4357 for information about mental health and substance-use treatment resources in the United States.
Postpartum Support International (PSI): PSI is an amazing resource for any new parents, as well as professionals. Visit postpartum.net for information, peer support, online resources, and support specifically for dads and partners. You can also explore their dad-focused support programs and available helpline services.
Postpartum Support International HelpLine: Call or text 1-800-944-4773 to ask about available support and resources.