Do Men Get Postpartum Depression?
Mental Health Men's Health Pregnancy
June 27, 2025
One thing most parents can agree on: Adjusting to parenthood is one of life’s biggest challenges. All the crying and fussing. Sleepless nights for weeks on end. Putting your own needs on the back burner. All of this can wear you out—and even lead to depression.
Most people have heard that women can experience depression after the birth of a child. But you might be surprised to learn that men do get postpartum depression, too. New dads can experience depression in the months after their baby is born, by all accounts an enormous life change. This can even happen simultaneously, and with consequences for each of them and their new baby.
“A new baby in the family can be both a joyous and stressful time for the family,” says John Monk, DO, a Franciscan Physician Network OBGYN in Crown Point. “We’ve known this when it comes to new mothers. But it’s also true for new fathers.”
Researchers from University College London looked at 23 past studies with data from more than 29,000 couples. The research team found that about three in every 100 couples experienced late postpartum depression -- when their child was 3 to 12 months old. For about two in every 100 couples, both parents had antenatal depression (before the child's birth) and early postpartum depression, meaning up to 12 weeks after the birth.
Men are more likely to develop depression after the birth of a child than at any other time in life. One in 10 fathers experiences paternal postpartum depression, or PPPD. But while doctors regularly monitor mothers for postpartum depression, men aren’t likely to be screened for this mental health condition.
Here’s what you need to know to spot the signs of postpartum depression in dads and how to get the help you need.
Recognize Risk Factors for Postpartum Depression In Men
Most parents feel overwhelmed by the changes a baby brings to their lives. Fathers might express feeling trapped, or that life will always revolve around the demands of their new child. Fathers can also feel isolated as mothers become engrossed in child-rearing and bonding with the new baby. While it’s normal for these thoughts to come and go, persistent feelings of isolation, exclusion and hopelessness can lead to postpartum depression in men.
Although any father is susceptible to depression, Dr. Monk said certain factors can increase the likelihood of developing this mental health condition, including having:
- Pre-existing anxiety or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- A spouse who also has depression
Learn the Signs of Postpartum Depression in Men
Signs of postpartum depression in dads can differ from those found in new mothers. Common signs of postpartum depression in men include:
- Increased anger, irritability and anxiousness
- Lack of interest in previously enjoyable activities
- Feeling sad or “empty”
- Reduced ability to focus and concentrate
- Extreme fatigue
- Withdrawing from family and friends
- Headaches, cramps or digestive problems
- Changes in sleeping or eating habits (either more or less)
Dads, Seek Help for Postpartum Depression—For the Health of Your Family
Depression is a crippling condition that affects everyone in the family. Dads with PPPD are less able to bond with children, which affects the kids as much as when mothers have postpartum depression. Research indicates that babies who live with depressed parents are more likely to develop behaviors in toddlerhood such as hitting, lying and feeling anxious or sad.
“Caring for the mental health of fathers during the postpartum period is just as critical as addressing concerns with new moms,” Dr. Monk said.
If you’re concerned about postpartum depression in yourself or a loved one, seek professional help. Discuss your concerns with your doctor.
