In short…yes.
Men can experience postpartum depression (PPD), and it’s more common than you might think.
When we talk about postpartum depression, most people immediately think of mothers. And for good reason—roughly 1 in 7 women experience PPD after childbirth. But what doesn’t get enough attention is the fact that according to statistics, 1 in 10 new fathers also experience symptoms of postpartum depression during the first year after their child is born. That’s not a small number. That’s a lot of new dads quietly struggling and wondering if what they’re feeling is “normal.”
So, if you’re a new father, or you’re close to one, and something just doesn’t feel right after the baby arrives it’s not just you. And you’re not weak for feeling that way.
What Does Paternal Postpartum Depression Look Like?
Postpartum depression in men doesn’t always show up the same way it does in women. Instead of sadness or crying, it might look like:
- Anger or irritability
- Emotional numbness
- Withdrawal from family and friends
- Increased use of alcohol or drugs
- Workaholism
- Trouble bonding with the baby
- Feeling hopeless or like you’re “failing” as a father or partner
- You might even convince yourself you’re just tired or stressed from the usual “new dad” chaos.
If these feelings linger on for weeks or start interfering with your relationships, sleep, or your ability to function in daily life it’s time to take it seriously.
Why Does This Happen to Dads?
Becoming a parent is one of the most emotionally jarring experiences you’ll ever go through.
Your sleep suffers and routine goes out the window. The demands on your time and energy suddenly go through the roof and that would rattle anyone. But for men, there are a few specific reasons that make postpartum depression more likely:
- Hormonal changes (yes, really): We usually associate hormone swings with new mothers. But research shows that men’s testosterone levels drop after the birth of a child especially in dads who are involved in childcare. At the same time, levels of estrogen, oxytocin, and cortisol can rise. These shifts are part of nature’s way of making us more nurturing, but they can also impact mood and mental health.
- Social expectations and isolation: Men are expected to “man up,” support their partner, provide for the family, and not complain. There’s little room to say, “Hey, I’m struggling too.” That silence can trigger isolation which can be fuel for depression.
- Relationship strain: It’s no secret that having a baby can rock your relationship. A 2011 study found that marital satisfaction tends to decline after having children. If communication takes a hit or intimacy disappears, it can leave dads feeling emotionally adrift.
- Financial stress: It’s easy to underestimate how much pressure men put on themselves to “hold it all together,” especially financially. New expenses, paternity leave, or career disruptions add a level of stress that’s easy to internalize.
What Makes It Worse?
Men are less likely to seek help.
That’s a problem because untreated PPD can spiral into long-term depression, anxiety, substance abuse, or anger issues. And if you’re wondering if it really matters beyond how you feel consider this: a fathers’ depression can affect their child’s emotional and behavioral development, too.
This isn’t about being selfish or overdramatic. Getting help is part of being a present, healthy dad.
What Can You Do About It?
If any of this sounds familiar, start here:
- Talk to someone: This could be your partner, a friend, or a professional. Don’t wait until things get worse. Therapy can give you the space to process your experience, build better coping tools, and shift out of survival mode.
- Normalize the conversation: If you’re a new dad, bring this topic up with other dads. You’ll be surprised how many will say, “Yeah… I went through that too.” The more we talk about it, the less power it has.
- Take small steps: Sleep when you can. Eat something that didn’t come out of a box. Get outside. Move your body. None of this fixes everything but it creates the foundation for healing.
- Get involved, don’t isolate yourself: It’s easy to feel like a bystander during those early months especially if your partner is breastfeeding or home more often. But the more engaged you are, the more connected and confident you’ll feel. Bonding with your baby helps protect your mental health.
When to Seek Professional Help
If you’ve been feeling off for more than two weeks, or if you’re having thoughts of harming yourself or withdrawing from your family it’s time to talk to a mental health professional.
There are specialists in postpartum mental health who understand that dads go through this too. The earlier you catch it, the easier it is to treat.
Being a new dad is hard.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, numb, angry, or hopeless it doesn’t mean you’re a bad parent. It means you’re going through something, and you probably need some help to guide you through it.
*All conversations with our team are strictly confidential.
PVD Psychological Associates specialize in college mental health, anxiety, depression, eating disorders, trauma, LGBTQIA+ issues, and relationship difficulties.
We also see clients for a range of other issues.
If you would like to discuss your needs with a therapist, complete the enquiry form on our Contact page and we’ll call or email you for a confidential chat.
