Reviewed by Rozia Malik, MS in Clinical Psychology October 15, 2026
Reviewed by Dr. Usman Ghafoor, MBBS Practitioner October 20, 2026
Everyone asks how the new mother is doing. Far fewer people ask how the new dad is doing. But fathers can struggle after a baby arrives too, and their struggle is easy to miss.
Postpartum depression in men is real, and it is treatable. This guide explains what it is, how common it is, the signs to look for, what causes it, and where to get help.
Quick answer: Postpartum depression in men is depression that starts in a father during pregnancy or in the first year after birth. It often shows up as anger, irritability, or pulling away from family, not just sadness. About 1 in 10 new fathers are affected. Getting help early works best.
What Is Postpartum Depression in Men?
Postpartum depression in men is also called paternal postpartum depression, male postpartum depression, or paternal postnatal depression. It is depression that happens to a father around the birth of his child and it is more than feeling tired or stressed. It means a low mood or loss of interest that lasts for more than two weeks and starts to affect daily life. Postpartum depression is a form of depression that is linked to becoming a parent.
Two facts are worth knowing:
- There is no separate official diagnosis for dads. Researchers note that there is no single agreed set of diagnostic rules for paternal postpartum depression, so doctors use the same checks they use for depression in general.
- It can build slowly. In men it often grows over several months, not in the first few weeks. It can also start during pregnancy.
How Common Is Postpartum Depression in Men?
More common than most people think. A large review of studies by Rao and colleagues (2020) found that roughly 8 to 9 out of every 100 fathers have depression during pregnancy or the first year after birth. Rates tend to be highest about three to six months after the baby is born.
Numbers differ from study to study. This is because researchers use different questionnaires and time frames. One research review puts the range between 4 and 25 in 100 new fathers. A simple way to remember it: about 1 in 10 dads.
The risk goes up a lot when the mother also has postpartum depression. The same review notes that depression in both parents often happens together. That is why support works best when it includes both partners.
Signs and Symptoms of Postpartum Depression in Men
Many men do not feel “sad” in the way people expect. They may feel angry, numb, or on edge. Research on fathers’ own stories found that many hold their feelings in and try to follow ideas about being strong. So the signs often look like stress or a bad temper.
How it may feel:
- Low mood, emptiness, or feeling numb
- Feeling hopeless or guilty, like you are a bad father
- Losing interest in things you used to enjoy
- Trouble focusing or making simple decisions
How it may look:
- Irritability, anger, or a very short temper
- Pulling away from your partner, family, or friends
- Drinking more alcohol or using other substances
- Working much more than usual, or avoiding home
- Taking more risks than usual
- Headaches, stomach problems, or constant tiredness
- Changes in sleep or appetite
If you have thoughts of ending your life, or feel your family would be better off without you, get help right now. In the US, call or text 988, any time, day or night. If you are in immediate danger, call 911.
Postpartum Depression in Men vs. Women
The two have a lot in common, but they often look different.
|
Mothers |
Fathers |
|
|
Common first signs |
Sadness, crying, worry |
Irritability, anger, withdrawal |
|
Usual timing |
Often the first weeks after birth |
Often later, around 3 to 6 months |
|
Main triggers |
Hormone changes, sleep loss, stress |
Sleep loss, stress, relationship strain, money worries. Hormones may play a part. |
|
Screening |
Often asked about at checkups |
Rarely screened |
|
Treatment |
Therapy, support, sometimes medicine |
Therapy, support, sometimes medicine |
Feeling tired and stressed with a newborn is normal. It may be depression when low mood, anger, or withdrawal lasts more than two weeks or gets in the way of work, sleep, or family life.
What Causes Postpartum Depression in Men?
There is no single cause. Usually, several things add up at the same time. Common risk factors include:
- Your partner has depression. This is one of the strongest links.
- A past history of depression or anxiety. A big life change can bring old struggles back.
- Lack of sleep. Broken sleep for weeks can lower mood and patience.
- Relationship strain. Less time together and more arguments can build up.
- Money or job stress. Worry about paying bills, or losing a job, can feel heavy with a baby at home.
- Little support. Feeling alone makes everything seem bigger.
- Doubts about being a parent. Many dads worry they are not doing enough.
- Other hard events. A death, illness, or other loss around the same time adds pressure.
- Hormone changes. Researchers are studying shifts in hormones such as testosterone in new fathers, but this research is still early.
How Postpartum Depression Affects the Whole Family
A father’s depression does not stay with him alone. A research summary notes that it can affect bonding with the baby and the couple’s relationship, and may have longer effects on the child. The good news is that when one parent gets help, the whole family often feels the benefit.
How Is Postpartum Depression in Men Diagnosed?
A doctor or mental health professional can check for depression. They will ask about your mood, sleep, energy, and daily life. They may also check for other causes, such as health problems or heavy stress.
Some clinics use a short questionnaire, such as the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). It is mostly used with mothers, and researchers are still working on the best way to use it with fathers. A study on screening fathers in a family health clinic shows that this is starting to change.
Few clinics screen dads as a routine step, so you may need to bring it up yourself. Start with your own doctor and say how you have been feeling. You can also read about the types of depressive disorders to understand the terms you may hear.
Treatment for Postpartum Depression in Men
Treatment is similar to treatment for depression in general, and it works best when you start early.
- Talk therapy. A therapist can help you handle stress, change harsh thoughts, and work through changes in your role and relationship.
- Medical check-up. A doctor can decide if medicine may help, especially if symptoms are strong or have lasted for weeks.
- Support groups. Talking with other dads can ease the feeling of being alone. Postpartum Support International lists support options, including groups for fathers.
- Healthy daily habits. Small steps help alongside treatment, not instead of it:
- Share night feeds so each parent gets a longer block of sleep.
- Move your body. See our guide to the benefits of exercise.
- Cut back on alcohol, which can make mood and sleep worse.
- Use a simple stress plan, such as the 4 A’s of stress management or other coping strategies for stress.
- Tell one trusted person how you really feel.
With the right support, most people feel better.
How Partners and Family Can Help
Partners are often the first to notice a change. Here is what can help:
- Speak gently, without blame. You could say, “I have noticed you seem on edge lately. I am worried about you, and I am here to help.”
- Treat it like any health problem. Offer to help book a doctor’s visit, or go with him.
- Share the load. Sleep loss makes every symptom worse.
- Check in often. A simple “How are you really doing?” can open the door.
- Do not dismiss it as “just tired” if it lasts. Anger and distance can strain a relationship. Our article on emotional dysregulation in relationships explains why.
When to Get Help Right Away
See a doctor or therapist if low mood, anger, or withdrawal lasts more than two weeks, or sooner if it feels strong. Fathers do not need to hit a breaking point before asking for help.
Get urgent help if there are thoughts of suicide, thoughts of harming yourself or your baby, or you cannot care for yourself. Call or text 988 in the US. For emergencies, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
Sources
- Rao et al. (2020). Prevalence of prenatal and postpartum depression in fathers. Journal of Affective Disorders.
- Paternal Postpartum Depression. National Library of Medicine (PubMed Central).
- Screening Fathers for Postpartum Depression in a Maternal-Child Health Clinic. National Library of Medicine.
- Eddy et al. (2019). Forgotten Fathers: Postpartum Depression in Men. Journal of Family Issues.
- Paternal Postpartum Depression. International Journal of Childbirth Education, Walden University ScholarWorks.
- Cleveland Clinic. Yes, Postpartum Depression in Men Is Very Real.
- 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
- Postpartum Support International
Disclaimer: This article is for education only. It is not medical advice and does not replace care from a doctor or mental health professional.
FAQs
Paternal postpartum depression is a mood disorder that can affect fathers during the first year after their baby is born, sharing core features with major depressive disorder but often presenting as irritability and anger rather than visible sadness.
Research estimates that between 8 and 13 percent of new fathers experience postpartum depression within the first year, with rates rising significantly when their partner is also affected.
Common symptoms include irritability, anger, increased substance use, withdrawal from relationships, changes in work habits, poor concentration, and in more serious cases, suicidal thoughts.
Yes. Talk therapy, support groups, medical evaluation, and stress management strategies are all effective approaches, and most fathers see meaningful improvement once they receive support.
