Postpartum depression is most often discussed in relation to mothers. But research clearly shows that fathers and partners can also experience depressive symptoms after the birth of a child. Yet many people don't know this is a real condition, and many men don't seek help.

Here you'll learn what postpartum depression in fathers and partners involves, how to recognize it, and where to get help.

How common is it?

International research shows that around 7–10 percent of new fathers experience depressive symptoms in the first year after birth. A Danish study found that approximately 7 percent of fathers develop postnatal depression.

The risk increases significantly if the partner also has postnatal depression. When the mother experiences depression after birth, the rate of depression in fathers rises.

Despite this, the condition is underdiagnosed. Many men don't recognize the symptoms, and healthcare systems have traditionally focused most on the mother's mental health in the postpartum period.

The WHO and AAP recommend that healthcare providers pay attention to both parents' mental health postpartum. Guidelines suggest that clinicians should look for signs of postpartum depression in both the birthing parent and their partner.

Symptoms in fathers and partners

Symptoms of postpartum depression in men can look different than in women. While mothers often report sadness, crying, and withdrawal, fathers commonly express depression through different channels.

Common symptoms

Irritability and anger — disproportionately short fuse, explosive temper
Withdrawal — avoiding contact with baby and partner, working more
Fatigue and low energy — beyond what's normal with a newborn
Sleep problems — difficulty sleeping even when the opportunity is there
Difficulty concentrating — forgetting things, unable to focus
Loss of interest — losing enjoyment in things that used to engage them
Physical complaints — headaches, stomach pain, muscle aches without clear cause
Increased alcohol use or other substances as self-medication
Feeling inadequate — experiencing themselves as a bad father

How it differs from ordinary tiredness

It's normal to be tired and overwhelmed as a new parent. But if symptoms persist for most of the day, over several weeks, and affect daily functioning, it may be depression.

Do you have thoughts of harming yourself, or does life feel meaningless? Contact your doctor today, or reach out to a mental health crisis line. In the US, call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline), available 24/7.

Risk factors

Some factors increase the risk of postpartum depression in fathers and partners:

Partner's depression — the strongest risk factor
Previous depression or other mental health conditions
Sleep deprivation — chronically too little sleep over time
Relationship difficulties — conflicts and poor communication
Infertility or complicated pregnancy
Lack of support network — few friends or family to lean on
Financial worries — pressure to provide for the family
Traumatic birth — being present at a difficult delivery
Unrealistic expectations — expecting to manage everything immediately

Research shows that postpartum depression in fathers and mothers is triggered by partly different factors. For mothers, having previous children appears to offer some protection against depression, but this effect is less clear in fathers.

Why is it underdiagnosed?

There are several reasons why postpartum depression in fathers often goes undetected:

Lack of awareness

Many men don't know that postpartum depression can affect them. They assume it only applies to women, and don't recognize their own symptoms as depression.

Masculine norms

Cultural expectations that men should be strong and handle everything make it difficult to ask for help. Many men feel shame about not being able to cope with the new situation.

Fewer healthcare touchpoints

While mothers have close follow-up through pregnancy and postpartum with midwives and pediatricians, fathers have traditionally had fewer contact points with healthcare during this period.

Symptoms look different

Screening tools like the EPDS (Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale) were developed with a primary focus on women. Men's symptoms — such as irritability and increased alcohol use — are not always captured as effectively.

Consequences for the family

Postpartum depression in fathers affects the whole family:

For the child: Depressed fathers may have difficulty responding to their baby's needs and cues, which can affect the father-child bond.
For the relationship: Depression in one parent puts extra pressure on the relationship. Conflict may increase and intimacy may decrease.
For the mother: If the father is depressed, the mother gets less support during a vulnerable period. Her own risk of developing depression increases.

Research shows that depression in parents — both mothers and fathers — can affect a child's social, emotional, and cognitive development. Early help is important for the whole family.

Where to get help

There is good help available. The first step is to talk to someone.

Your doctor or primary care provider

Your doctor can assess whether you have depression and offer treatment options, which may include:

Supportive counseling
Referral to a therapist or psychologist
Medication if needed
Sick leave if you're unable to work

Other resources

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (US): Call or text 988 (24/7)
Postpartum Support International: 1-800-944-4773 (US)
Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 (US)
Your insurance provider can help locate covered mental health services

What can you do yourself?

Talk about it

The most important thing you can do is put into words how you're feeling. Talk to your partner, a friend, or a professional. Admitting you're struggling is not weakness — it's strength.

Take care of yourself

Prioritize sleep when possible — share nighttime duties
Keep up some activities you enjoy, even in small ways
Move your body — physical activity has documented effects against depression
Limit alcohol — it worsens depressive symptoms

Build a bond with your baby

Have regular skin-to-skin contact with your baby
Take responsibility for daily routines like changing, bathing, or bedtime
Talk and sing to your baby — they already recognize your voice from pregnancy
Allow yourself to try and make mistakes

Accept that it takes time

The transition to parenthood is significant. It's normal for it to take time to find your footing. Don't expect everything to fall into place immediately.

For partners of someone who is struggling

If you notice that your partner has changed since the birth, you can:

Raise your concern in a non-confrontational way
Suggest contacting a doctor or counselor together
Show that it's safe to talk about difficult feelings
Avoid minimizing — "it'll pass" is rarely helpful
Take care of yourself too, and seek support if you need it

Frequently asked questions

Can the EPDS questionnaire be used for fathers?

Yes. The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale has been validated for use in fathers as well. Ask to complete the questionnaire at your next healthcare appointment.

When should I seek help?

If you've had a low mood, irritability, or loss of interest for most of the day for two weeks or more, contact your doctor. Don't wait for it to get worse.

Can postpartum depression in fathers resolve on its own?

Mild symptoms may improve with better sleep, social support, and physical activity. But a clinical depression generally requires professional help. Untreated depression can last for many months and affect the entire family.

Is it common to feel left out as a new father?

Many new fathers describe feeling on the outside, especially in the early weeks when the baby is most closely bonded with the mother. This is common and does not mean you're a bad father. Active involvement in care routines gradually builds the bond.

Sources

Paulson, J.F. & Bazemore, S.D. (2010). Prenatal and postpartum depression in fathers. JAMA, 303(19), 1961–1969.
Postpartum Support International. postpartum.net
American Academy of Pediatrics. Promoting Optimal Development: Screening for Behavioral and Emotional Problems.

Postpartum Depression in Fathers and Partners