While postpartum depression is often associated with mothers, research shows fathers also face significant mental health challenges after welcoming a new baby.
A new study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders found about one in 10 men experience depression during the postnatal period, shedding light on an often-overlooked aspect of fatherhood.
The transition to parenthood brings profound changes for men, including shifts in identity, relationships and daily routines, alongside unexpected biological changes.
“It’s a little-known fact that men also experience hormonal changes postpartum, which can add to postpartum depression,” explains licensed professional counselor Joshua P. Smith in Parents magazine. “This includes a drop in testosterone, which affects mood and sleep.”
Several factors can increase the risk of PPD in men, including preexisting mental health conditions, financial stress, sleep deprivation and changing relationship dynamics. Unfortunately, many fathers suffer silently due to societal expectations of masculine strength, which can prevent them from recognizing their symptoms.
“PPD is often missed in fathers due to the stigma surrounding it,” Renee Goff, licensed clinical psychologist, told Psych Central. “Society often expects men to ‘just get over it,’ ‘suck it up,’ or ‘be a man.’ Plus, a man being ‘angry and irritable’ is more socially acceptable.”
Men typically show different signs of postpartum depression than women. Instead of sadness, fathers more commonly experience irritability, emotional withdrawal and difficulty bonding with their baby. Some may cope through unhealthy behaviors like substance use or throwing themselves into work.
The good news, however, is that good mental health practices before having children can provide significant protection against postnatal depression. For every measurable increase in a father’s pre-birth well-being, their risk of moderate-to-severe depression dropped by 10%, according to the study.
If you’re a new dad experiencing these challenges, here are some ways to seek support:
- Talk to your health care provider or with a mental health professional so they can screen for depression and recommend appropriate treatment.
- Open up to your partner or trusted friends and share what you’re experiencing.
- Join a support group to connect with others going through similar challenges.
- Practice self-care through regular exercise, healthy eating and getting rest when possible.
Remember: seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness, and taking care of your mental health benefits you and your growing family.
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