Whether it’s sleep deprivation, money worries, new responsibilities, or the relationship dynamic shifting, dads also have a lot to take on board. This is a huge life change for both parents. On top of this, dads might feel guilty about what their partner is going through, knowing they aren’t the ones breastfeeding at 3am or healing from labour and birth.

Here’s what you need to know about postnatal depression in men.

1. Dads can experience depression in the first year after birth

The number of men who become depressed in the first year after becoming a dad is double that of the general population (Davé et al, 2010).

First time dads are particularly vulnerable (Fatherhood institute, 2010). One in ten dads-to-be will also become depressed during their partner’s pregnancy (Stadtlander, 2015).

2. Postnatal depression in men often goes undiagnosed

The peak time for postnatal depression in men is three to six months after the birth (Fatherhood Institute, 2010).

As with postnatal depression in mums, it often goes undiagnosed. The symptoms can look a lot like the everyday stresses of having a newborn (Musser et al, 2013).

"If you have concerns about your own or your partner’s mental health, do seek help from your GP who can help you to access support services."

3. Hormonal changes can play a role

Just as with mums, changes in hormones might make postnatal depression in dads more likely (Saxbe et al, 2017).

Hormones including testosterone, oestrogen, cortisol, vasopressin, and prolactin may change in dads during the period after their babies arrive (Kim and Swain, 2007).

4. Postnatal depression in dads is more likely if there is maternal postnatal depression too

If one of you is experiencing emotional or mental health difficulties, it's more likely that the other is too. Of fathers with depressed partners, 24% to 50% experience depression themselves (Fatherhood Institute, 2010).

5. A range of factors can make dads more likely to get postnatal depression

Dads who are under 25 are more likely to go through postnatal depression than their older counterparts (Davé et al, 2010).

Yet age isn’t the only risk factor for postnatal depression in men. Other major risk factors include a history of depression and anxiety; financial pressures;and evidence also shows that not being in a relationship with the child’s mother (Huang and Warner, 2005; Wee et al, 2010; Nazareth, 2011).

Other factors that make postnatal depression in men more likely include: sleeping or crying issues with the baby; drug abuse or dependence; and feeling unsupported by their partners (Huang and Warner, 2005; Fatherhood Institute, 2010; Stadtlander, 2015).

However, the cause and effect is unclear so these factors might not necessarily be the direct cause of mental health difficulties.

6. Postnatal depression in dads can show itself in different ways

Symptoms can include:

fear, confusion, helplessness and uncertainty about the future

withdrawal from family life, work and social situations

indecisiveness

frustration, irritability, cynicism and anger

marital conflict

partner violence

negative parenting behaviours

alcohol and drug use

insomnia

physical symptoms like indigestion, changes in appetite and weight, diarrhoea, constipation, headaches, toothaches and nausea. (Musser et al, 2013; Stadtlander, 2015)

7. Postnatal depression in dads can take its toll on their relationships

Postnatal depression in dads canaffect their relationship with the baby’s mother. It can also affect the relationship they have with their child. They may play and engage less with their children and talk more negatively about and to them. They may sing and read less to their children, and may discipline them more harshly.

8. Postnatal depression in dads can have an impact on the development of their child

Dads’ depression is associated with emotional, social and behavioural problems as well as developmental delay in their children (Fatherhood Institute, 2010).

The association is stronger when a father experiences antenatal as well as postnatal depression, and when his symptoms are particularly severe. There is also a stronger association when mum also has mental health problems (Stadtlander, 2015).

9. Screening is available

You might associate screening more with physical illnesses but mental health diagnoses are slowly catching up. Men who are concerned should pop over to NHS Choices and use the depression screening tool. If you’re concerned, see your GP or call NHS 111.

10. Postnatal depression in dads is treated the same as postnatal depression in mums

The treatment of paternal postnatal depression is in its early stages. Currently, the options for treatment are the same as for mothers with psychotropic medication and/or talking therapies (Nazareth, 2011; NHS Choices, 2016).

Relationship counselling may also be useful (Musser et al, 2013).

Most, importantly share how you're feeling. You're not alone and support is available.

This page was last reviewed in February 2018