Why new dads experience postpartum depression too
Published · Updated
Most people think postpartum depression only affects mothers. The truth is, fathers can experience it too.
About 1 in 10 fathers experiences depression between the start of their partner's pregnancy and their baby's first birthday — 10.4% in a meta-analysis of 43 studies (Paulson & Bazemore, JAMA 2010, PMID 20483973). Anxiety is common alongside it. The symptoms may look different than they do in mothers, but they are just as real. Left untreated, they can affect a father's mental health, relationships, and ability to bond with his child.
Many men don't realize they're experiencing postpartum depression because they expect to feel stressed. They often ignore the warning signs until they begin affecting every part of life.
The signs themselves are listed in our paternal postpartum depression symptoms guide; this article is about why it happens.
Why it happens
There is no single cause. Several factors increase the risk, including sleep deprivation, financial stress, relationship changes, a partner experiencing postpartum depression, previous anxiety or depression, and a lack of support. A few of them are easy to mistake for ordinary new-dad stress.
Hormones and sleep
Hormonal change after a baby is usually discussed only for mothers. In a 4.5-year study of 624 men in the Philippines, those who became fathers showed a median 26% drop in morning testosterone and 34% in evening testosterone, a larger decline than in men who stayed single and did not become fathers (Gettler et al., PNAS 2011, PMID 21911391). That study measured hormones, not mood, so it does not show the drop causes depression. It does show that fatherhood changes a man's body as well as his schedule.
Sleep is interrupted too, often for months, and sleep deprivation is one of the risk factors named above.
The provider pressure
Becoming a dad brings enormous change. Financial responsibilities grow. Daily routines disappear overnight. Many fathers feel pressure to support their partner while continuing to work and provide for their family. Over time, that stress can become overwhelming.
Feeling like a bystander
Many fathers also describe feeling outside the early bond between the baby and the birthing parent: needed for errands and diapers, but not really part of what is happening. That feeling is common and rarely talked about.
When the relationship, or his partner, is struggling
In one 8-year study of 218 married couples, relationship quality dropped suddenly after their first baby arrived, and the drop, small to medium in size, tended to last (Doss et al., J Pers Soc Psychol 2009, PMID 19254107). A father's mood is also closely tied to his partner's. In a review of 30 studies, the most common factor linked to depression in fathers was a partner with depression, and poor relationship satisfaction came up often too (Wee et al., J Affect Disord 2011, PMID 20599275).
Parenthood is one of life's biggest transitions. Needing help during that adjustment is common.
Getting help makes you a better dad
Seeking help is not a sign of weakness. It's one of the best things you can do for yourself and your family.
If what you're feeling has lasted more than two weeks or begun interfering with daily life, it's time to ask for help. Therapy, support groups, talking with your healthcare provider, and connecting with other fathers can all make a meaningful difference. The sooner treatment begins, the easier recovery often becomes.
A healthy father helps create a healthier family. Support groups, reading, and help lines for dads are collected on our page for fathers and partners.
You don't have to do this alone
The fourth trimester isn't only about mothers. It's about helping the entire family adjust during the first year after birth.
If you or someone you love is struggling after welcoming a new baby, don't wait. If anyone is in immediate danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. For thoughts of self-harm, call or text 988, any time. The National Maternal Mental Health Hotline is free, confidential and staffed 24/7 for mothers, fathers and partners at 1-833-852-6262. Postpartum Support International offers free support and referrals for mothers and fathers at 1-800-944-4773 — leave a message any time; calls and texts are returned 8am–11pm ET. You can also find local New Jersey options at Get Help Now.