Paternal PostNatal Depression

May 8, 2022

Updated, October 1, 2025 – Postpartum mental health issues are the most common complication of pregnancy. Discussing Postpartum Depression (PPD) and Anxiety in mothers and birthing parents is becoming more accepted, but postpartum depression in men and partners called Paternal PostNatal Depression, or PPND, is also common but far less talked about.

*Although most current studies use male pronouns, PPND research and recommendations also apply to non-birthing partners of any gender.

What is Paternal PostNatal Depression?

A 2010 study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association showed that up to 14.1 of men suffer from depression after the birth of their child. This number rises when partners are also experiencing depression.  Other research estimates that as many as one in four new fathers experience symptoms of depression during the first year postpartum. For comparison, depression in men outside the postpartum period typically affects about 5%, underscoring that this increase is significant and real.

While maternal postpartum depression is often linked to hormonal shifts, fathers and non-birthing partners experience biological and emotional changes too. Testosterone levels may dip, sleep deprivation is nearly universal and the stress of adapting to a new role can trigger or exacerbate depression.

Who is at risk?

PPND can happen to any father but there are also risk factors you should know about before baby arrives that may help identify PPND early. These are:

•  history of depression
•  partner who has depression 
•  an unplanned/unwanted pregnancy
•  poor family relationships and little social support
• financial strain or lack of paid parental leave

Take note if you or your partner have these risk factors before baby arrives. Understanding these factors before the postpartum phase can help families recognize warning signs early and seek care sooner. Learn more at PPD vs. Baby Blues: Know the Difference

Recognizing the Signs of Paternal PostNatal Depression

Symptoms of PPND can look different from those of maternal postpartum depression. Rather than overt, persistent sadness, men may experience:

• Irritability or anger
• Withdrawal from family or social interactions
• Loss of interest in work or hobbies
• Fatigue, insomnia, or physical complaints without clear cause
• Increased alcohol or substance use
• Feelings of worthlessness, failure, or disconnection from the baby

Because of historic stigma, many men underreport these symptoms or dismiss them as normal stress. This is why normalizing the conversation and encouraging partners to check in with one another is essential.

How can PPND be helped? 

• Early detection and action is KEY, especially if Dad or Dad’s to be are under significant stress and are predisposed to depression.
• As reported in the NIH study, men underreport their symptoms. There is still a perceived social stigma to depression so talking about it and normalizing PPND is helpful.
• You can take this assessment to see if they should be evaluated by a professional. 
• For men at risk, regular exercise, proper sleep and family and social support helps. This includes Paid Leave as noted by the National Institute of Health.
• A professional assessment by a mental health professional is also recommended. 
• For strategies to get better sleep, read Sleep Deprivation and Postpartum Depression: Proven Tips to Help

As Registered Nurse Elizabeth Hawkes has noted from her experience and research, postpartum mental health issues are 100% manageable with proper intervention and/or medication. Hawkes says, “It’s about time we include the entire family as one unit instead of only asking  ‘How is mom?’ How is baby?'” For mothers and fathers, knowledge is power in managing postpartum mental health complications before they arise.

If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of PPND or has thoughts of self-harm, reach out immediately for help. In the U.S., call or text 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, or visit Postpartum Support International.