Becoming a parent is likely to be the biggest life change to date for both members of a couple. Although postpartum depression is typically associated with women, increasing numbers of new fathers have reported feelings of low mood and anxiety while adjusting to life with a newborn.

Dr Sharon Chambers, Counselling Psychologist at SCC, comments, “New fathers need to navigate the challenges of co-parenting, such as developing their own identities in relation to their child and partner, as well as dividing parenting roles, just as mothers do.” Recognising that depression can also affect fathers in the postpartum period (termed paternal postpartum depression) is crucial in ensuring they can access the necessary support, promoting the overall wellbeing of the family.

Written by Nadine Seif, BSc, Assistant Psychologist, Sloane Court Clinic

Stereotypically, men tend to share less about their feelings, especially when struggling, as this is often mistakenly perceived as a sign of weakness. This likely contributes to the lack of awareness of paternal postpartum depression. By contrast, new mothers are far more likely to express feelings of sadness, anxiety or inadequacy with friends, family and medical professionals. This disparity may stem partly from a societal acceptance or expectation of potential “baby blues” among women - something less applicable to men, with its links to hormonal changes.

It may also be that new fathers feel a pressure to stay strong for their partners, especially those physically recovering from childbirth and struggle to justify any emotional turmoil of their own. Fathers often report feeling unprepared for the impact of parenting tasks on their partner, themselves or their relationship which can lead to a drop in confidence about their parenting abilities. This can result in unnecessarily suffering in silence, which not only is devasting for the father, but can also negatively impact the entire family.

Depression after the arrival of a baby often manifests differently in men compared to women and can sometimes be overlooked as a result. According to research from King’s College London, men were found to be more receptive and engaged in workshops when they were labelled as promoting self-confidence as opposed to depression. Dr Chambers adds, “Stress is often a term fathers relate to more readily as it is seen as more socially acceptable in the perinatal period, demonstrating the impact of language and its perceived meanings in society.”

New fathers who may be experiencing postpartum depression may report any of the following:

• Irritability, anger or withdrawal. While mothers might express overwhelming sadness or anxiety, fathers are more likely to exhibit irritability, anger, or withdrawal. These emotions often stem from fears around their parenting abilities, how to support their growing family and the feeling that all attention is being focused on the baby.
• Fatigue or difficulty concentrating. While almost every new parent experiences sleep deprivation, the effects can vary significantly from person to person. For some fathers, drastic changes in sleep patterns may hinder their ability to bond with their child and contribute to the household. This may result in feelings of inadequacy, low mood or frustration. If these feelings persist and a lack of sufficient sleep continues, further complications may arise, including strained relationships and difficulties in work performance.

Although highly individual, there are a few common contributing factors to paternal postpartum depression. There may be many more but those frequently reported include:

• Loss of identity. While embracing the role of a father can bring immense joy, it also means the loss of their pre-baby identity. It is a huge and permanent change with an increase in uncertainty and responsibility that arises somewhat suddenly. New fathers often reporting increased anxiety related to financial pressures and job stability. In addition to adjusting to fatherhood, the pressure to be a “good father” can amplify feelings of overwhelm and perhaps a sense of grief for the loss of their former selves, and/or of their pre-motherhood partner.
• Partner struggling with mental health. It can be distressing for one partner to witness the other experiencing a dip in mood following the birth of their baby. Seeing someone you care about struggling can be difficult to watch and may leave people feeling helpless if they are unable to offer effective support. Beyond this, they may be bottling up any emotions of their own to put on a brave face and be strong for their partner. In many cases, this results in both partners experiencing adverse psychological symptoms, highlighting the importance of either parent seeking help with their mental health if needed for the sake of the whole family.
• Previous mental health issues. Those with a history of depression or anxiety are more vulnerable to experiencing depressive symptoms after becoming a parent. The added stressors of parenthood can exacerbate these underlying issues, making it essential for new fathers to seek support and treatment if needed.

The good news is that there are many places to seek help if any of the above applies to you or a partner. “While mood changes and anxieties during the transition into fatherhood may settle naturally in the first few months of the newborn’s life,” Dr Chambers adds, “accepting support as well as engaging in talking therapies can help dissipate symptoms.” Whether support is offered through new dad groups, mental health professionals, at your place of work or by sharing with trusted friends and family, help is available. Fathers can feel empowered to share their experiences and act without fear of judgement. This can help normalise these conversations, reducing stigma and fostering understanding.

Recognising and addressing paternal postpartum depression in men allows for the highest chances of healthy family dynamics and child development. By fostering awareness, providing support, and encouraging open dialogue, we can help new fathers avoid feeling they are left to navigate the challenges of adjusting to parenthood alone.