Dads Get Postnatal Depression Too: Breaking the Silence

May 31, 2025 /

The arrival of a baby often places focus on the mother such as her physical recovery, emotional state, and change to motherhood. It’s key to remember fathers can also go through postnatal depression. Even if it’s not commonly known or talked about, paternal postnatal depression is a genuine problem that requires attention.

What Is Postnatal Depression in Dads?

Postnatal depression (PND) isn’t just for mothers. Like women, fathers can get depression in the weeks after their baby is born. This can happen to anyone, no matter their age or background and can really change a father’s mood, connections, and ability to bond with their new baby.

Common signs include:

  • Constant sadness, despair, or emptiness
  • Worry or anger
  • Loss of joy in hobbies
  • Feelings of guilt or being unworthy
  • Tiredness or low energy
  • Sleep problems or appetite changes
  • Trouble bonding with or caring for your baby
  • Staying away from family and friends

Why Do Dads Get Postnatal Depression?

Many things can lead to PND in men, such as:

  • Stress: Change to a dad role, money problems, or relationship troubles
  • Hormone changes: New work shows that men go through hormone shifts after their partner gives birth, which can change their mood
  • Lack of sleep: Not getting enough sleep because of night feeds and baby care
  • Feeling left out or stressed: Not being part of the birth or early parenting
  • Past mental health issues: Depression or worry before pregnancy can return or get worse
  • Relationship stress: Arguments with a partner can make depression feelings worse

Why Is It Important to Notice Dads’ Mental Health?

Ignoring paternal postnatal depression can cause real issues. It can change how you bond with your baby, your relationship with your partner, and can even cause long-term mental health problems. Children’s emotions and actions can also be changed by their father’s mental state.

How Can You Help Dads Who Are Struggling?

If you’re a dad feeling this way, know that you’re not the only one, and there is help. Here are things you can do:

  • Contact your doctor or a mental health expert: They can check you, provide help, and talk about treatment choices.
  • Talk to your partner or close friends and family about how you feel.
  • Join groups: Talking with other new dads can make you feel less alone and share ways to cope.
  • Take care of yourself: Rest when you can, be active, and find time for fun things.
  • Help care for your baby: Being part of daily care can build your bond and improve your mood.

What Can Partners and Families Do?

Partners and family are very important to see and help dads with postnatal depression. Watch for signs of sadness and encourage open talks. Give support, care, and real help. Remind him that getting help is strong, not weak.

Postnatal depression in dads is real and needs more attention. If you feel stressed, sad, or apart after your baby arrives, seek help. Your mental health matters for you, your partner, and your baby.

There is help available, and with the right care, you can get through this hard time and enjoy being a father.