We tend to think of postpartum depression as something that only affects moms. And sure, the hormonal chaos and physical recovery after birth are real factors for birthing parents. But here’s the thing: dads, biological, adoptive, or otherwise, can experience postpartum depression, too. And many do. They’re just much less likely to be screened, diagnosed, or supported.
The Numbers Are Bigger Than You Think
According to a 2010 meta-analysis published in JAMA, roughly 1 in 10 new fathers experience paternal postpartum depression (PPD), with rates peaking between 3 and 6 months postpartum. That number climbs to 1 in 4 when the mother is also experiencing depression. More recent studies have backed that up, suggesting the mental health of fathers in the perinatal period deserves way more attention than it gets.
And it’s not just about depression. Dads may experience anxiety, mood swings, rage, or a vague sense of emptiness or disconnection, symptoms that don’t always mean “PPD” but fall under the umbrella of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs).
Hormones Aren’t Just a “Mom Thing”
Here’s a needed fact: testosterone levels drop in new dads, while oxytocin and prolactin rise, especially in fathers who are hands-on with caregiving. These shifts support bonding, but they may also make fathers more emotionally vulnerable. A 2020 review in Hormones and Behavior noted that this hormonal rollercoaster can impact mood in men, much like estrogen and progesterone fluctuations do in postpartum women.
Yet most dads never hear this. And many report feeling like their emotional distress doesn’t “count” because they didn’t give birth.
What PPD in Dads Actually Looks Like
The symptoms of paternal PPD can look different than maternal depression. While moms may withdraw or cry, dads often express distress as:
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Irritability or anger
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Risk-taking behaviors
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Substance misuse
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Workaholism or avoidance
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Disconnection from the baby or partner
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Trouble sleeping, even when the baby is asleep
That last one’s a big red flag. Chronic sleep disruption is one of the biggest risk factors for both maternal and paternal depression and if a dad is always “fine” but never sleeping, it’s worth checking in.
Why It’s So Easy to Miss
Most OB visits, lactation appointments, and postnatal check-ins center the mom-baby. Many dads get a quick handshake in the delivery room and then... that’s it. No screenings. No follow-up. No acknowledgment of the seismic life shift they’ve just entered.
And the stigma is real. A 2023 survey from the UK’s National Childbirth Trust found that 75% of dads felt their mental health was not a priority to healthcare providers. Even when they did speak up, many reported being dismissed or told to “man up.”
So What Helps?
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Normalize it. Talking about paternal mental health openly, in media, online parenting spaces, and real-life conversations helps break the taboo.
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Screen everyone. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends screening both parents for depression at well-child visits. But implementation is still spotty even for mothers.
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Offer support. Dads benefit from therapy, medication, peer groups, and paternity leave, just like moms. And when one parent gets help, the whole family benefits.
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Include dads in care plans. Instead of seeing fathers as “helpers,” more birthworkers and pediatric teams are advocating for full partner involvement from the start.
The Bottom Line
Dads aren’t immune to postpartum struggles—and pretending they are just leaves them suffering in silence. Paternal mental health isn’t a side note. It’s part of the whole parenting story.
