Postpartum Depression in Dads: Is It Real?

When we think about postpartum depression (PPD), often the conversation rightfully revolves around the mother who has just carried the baby through months of pregnancy and gone through labor, only to often face some level of struggle after childbirth. However, the narrative can overlook another group of people who might also be silently suffering: new fathers. This isn’t to take away from the struggles of new mothers but to present a new perspective on an issue that lacks coverage.

This article explores the reality of postpartum depression in dads, its symptoms, causes, and ways to seek help. If anything mentioned in this article sounds like you, please reach out to a mental healthcare professional and remember that you are not alone. If you’re interested in pursuing a career related to these mental health struggles, though, consider undertaking an online nurse practitioner degree or related course so you can help improve the outcomes of new parents everywhere.

Understanding Postpartum Depression in Fathers

This is a complex topic with a lot to unpack, but this article will endeavor to give you a well-rounded understanding that covers the basics.

What Exactly is PPD in Fathers?

PPD is a form of clinical depression that can happen after childbirth. It’s often associated with mothers due in part to the physical bond shared between mother and child during pregnancy, but recent studies indicate that fathers or non-pregnant partners can also experience significant emotional struggles just after a new child is born. Prevalence rates for postpartum depression in fathers sit at 8.75% in the postnatal period, with symptoms potentially appearing anytime during the first year after the baby’s birth. This prevalence rate indicates that PPD in fathers isn’t just real, it’s a significant public health issue that deserves proper attention and resources.

Symptoms of PPD in Fathers

Similarly to PPD in mothers, the condition is experienced most commonly with both physical and emotional components that mirror symptoms of clinical depression. Fathers with PPD may be persistently sad or low in energy and could lose interest in activities that they previously enjoyed, which can have a compounding effect with the lack of sleep common amongst new parents.

They also might become easily frustrated or angry over minor issues or things they wouldn’t normally get upset about. Additionally, over-worrying and constant anxiety about their new child or their own ability to provide and care for the family is common, especially amongst single-income families where the father is the highest earner in the household.

The symptoms don’t stop there, though, extending to physical symptoms like fatigue, sleep disturbances, and changes in appetite. The first two are seemingly part-and-parcel in becoming a parent, but when it starts to affect other aspects of the father’s life, then it becomes cause for concern. These knock-on effects can lead to serious consequences, including substance abuse, workaholism, or complete withdrawal from family, friends, and social situations, and are often some of the most prominent warning signs for PPD in fathers.

Causes of PPD in Dads

Now that you know what it looks like, let’s talk about why it happens. Hormonal changes in women are well-documented after childbirth, but men also experience decreased testosterone levels and increases in estrogen and cortisol, which can contribute to mood swings and depression, with cortisol being a key hormone in feelings of stress. Psychological factors also play a massive role in developing PPD — the entire ordeal is scary for everyone involved, so the anxiety about the new responsibilities and life changes associated with being a father is natural. Tension and conflict with partners can often be exacerbated by lack of sleep and the continuing demands of a new baby who can only really communicate by crying, and all of these issues can be compounded by a history of depression or anxiety, which increases the risk of developing PPD, along with financial pressure and a lack of support. The continued societal expectation for men to be strong and stoic can prevent them from seeking help, although this is changing.

How is PPD diagnosed?

Healthcare providers should screen all new parents for signs of depression regardless of their gender identity.

Tools such as the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) can be useful in identifying those at risk. However, this screening can only happen if men consent to it, and this can only happen by encouraging men to have open and honest conversations about how they are feeling and normalizing the experiences of postpartum depression in fathers.

Treatment and Support

Like clinical depression, the dual approach of therapy and medication can be extremely effective in mitigating the symptoms of PPD and can help fathers improve their mood and live their lives without the burden of depression. Cognitive behavioral therapy and interpersonal therapy alongside antidepressants (in more severe cases) can be excellent solutions for fathers, but it all starts with conversations. Peer support groups with other new fathers can be a great way for dads to open up about their feelings before visiting a mental health professional, although if the PPD is severe, this may not be an effective option.

Postpartum depression in dads is real and can have profound effects on the whole family, especially if the other parent is also experiencing PPD. Recognizing the symptoms and understanding that PPD is normal and seeking appropriate treatment are both crucial steps towards recovery. Destigmatization of depression as a whole is something that needs to be worked towards so that we can live in a world where mental health issues can be socially viewed in the same way as our physical health — allowing for appropriate treatment for not only new dads but individuals of all demographics.