Postpartum Depression in Men? Addressing the silence and stigma
- Postpartum depression affects both fathers and mothers.
- Open conversations reduce stigma around paternal postpartum depression
- Early diagnosis and support improve the family’s health outcomes
Content Warning: This article discusses the topic of postpartum depression and mentions signs of depression, childbirth trauma, dysfunctional families, eating disorders, and self-harm. Please read with caution.
The Overlooked Discourse
When we think of postpartum depression, it is often only associated with mothers. This feminisation of parental postpartum depression has its foundational assumptions in the word partum, derived from the Latin word meaning “to give birth,” often socially and culturally associated almost exclusively with the physical labour of maternity. Yet, such a narrow framing obscures the discourse around postpartum depression, thus overlooking the psychological, emotional, and even biological changes that men undergo when becoming fathers. This invisibility contributes to the stigma, underdiagnosis, and a lack of tailored support systems for paternal mental health.
Recognising that fathers, too, can suffer from postpartum depression challenges long-held assumptions about gender and mental health. Research shows that nearly 1 in 10 men experience depression before or shortly after their child’s birth, highlighting the urgency of including paternal perspectives in conversations around postpartum wellbeing.
What Causes Paternal Postpartum Depression?
Emerging studies suggest that biological and evolutionary mechanisms may help explain why some men experience it. Scientists theorize that hormonal changes, including a significant drop in testosterone, may be an adaptive response encouraging fathers to bond with and care for their babies. Yet, low testosterone also shares many symptoms with depression- like fatigue, irritability, and low mood– adding another layer of vulnerability. At the same time, the arrival of a baby reshapes routines, relationships, and responsibilities. This upheaval can heighten stress, increase anxiety, and, for some men, alter sleeping patterns, triggering depression.
But many fathers feel ashamed of experiencing these emotions during a period when they are socially expected to feel only joy. This shame often leads to isolation and silence, causing early signs of paternal postpartum depression to be overlooked. Thus, even though men do not physically experience pregnancy or childbirth, they go through a notable transformation when they become fathers.
Symptoms of Postpartum Depression in Men
According to peer-reviewed research, 18% of new fathers report high levels of anxiety, with 3-5% meeting diagnostic criteria for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) in the months following childbirth. These figures make it clear that paternal mental health is not peripheral but deeply shaped by the transition to parenthood.
Thus, as common signs of paternal postpartum depression often extend beyond the “classic” image of sadness, other symptoms include fathers experiencing changes in appetite, either overeating or undereating, alongside persistent sleep difficulties, agitation, or ongoing fatigue. Feelings of guilt, shame, or hopelessness may become chronic, while some fathers may seem to emotionally distance themselves from their partner, child, or family, or lose interest in activities they once enjoyed. In severe cases, thoughts of self-harm or suicide may occur. The presence of these symptoms-particularly if they last for more than two to three weeks-signals the need for professional support.
Managing Paternal Postpartum Depression
Paternal postpartum depression is both medically affirmed and treatable, and with the right approach, most fathers can make a full recovery and even diagnose postpartum depression at its early stages. Effective management usually combines professional care, lifestyle adjustments, and social support.
Professional help may involve therapy- individual, couples, or group sessions – to provide space for fathers to process emotions and develop healthy coping strategies. In some cases, medication such as antidepressants may also be prescribed. Alongside medical care, simple but consistent choices, such as maintaining balanced nutrition, engaging in light exercise like walking or stretching, and taking short naps when possible, can help stabilize mood and reduce stress. Talking openly with a partner, friend, or support group also reduces feelings of isolation. However, most important of all is that it is always recommended to seek professional advice before trying to manage symptoms on your own.
Paving The Way For Positive Parenthood
Thus, caring for paternal postpartum mental health is not a weakness but a responsibility. More importantly, recognising paternal postpartum depression does not come at the cost of acknowledging maternal struggles is crucial. Both maternal and paternal experiences of postpartum depression are byproducts of the broader parenting process, shaped by biological changes and social expectations. Addressing both together reflects a more holistic understanding of parenthood- one that prioritises the well-being of mothers, fathers, and children alike.
- Cleveland Clinic. (2021, June 7). Yes, postpartum depression in men is very real. Cleveland Clinic. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/yes-postpartum-depression-in-men-is-very-real
- Kansas Department of Health & Environment. (2020, July 2). Paternal postpartum depression (Paternal PPD). https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/DocumentCenter/View/2882/Information-and-Recommendations-PDF
- PostpartumDepression.org. (n.d.). Paternal postpartum depression: PPD in men & how to find help for dad. https://www.postpartumdepression.org/postpartum-depression/men/
- Medical News Today. (2022, August 31). Male postpartum depression: Causes, symptoms, and more. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/male-postpartum-depression
- BBC Worklife. (2022, June 1). Male postnatal depression: Why men struggle in silence. https://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20220601-male-postnatal-depression-why-men-struggle-in-silence
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