Paternal PostNatal Depression (PPND) affects up to one in four new fathers in the first year after baby’s birth. Symptoms often look different from maternal PPD and include: irritability, withdrawal and increased substance use rather than overt sadness, which is why it frequently goes unrecognized.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Note, updated April, 2026- Although most current studies use male pronouns, PPND research and recommendations also apply to non-birthing partners of any gender.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A 2010 study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association <\/a>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 <\/a>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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:<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Symptoms of PPND can look different from those of maternal postpartum depression. Rather than overt, persistent sadness, men may experience:<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As Registered Nurse Elizabeth Hawkes has noted from her experience and research, postpartum mental health issues are 100% manageable<\/a> 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 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<\/a>. And if you’re struggling with sleep deprivation, Let Mommy Sleep <\/a>can help on short notice.<\/p>\n\n\n\nWhat is <\/strong>Paternal PostNatal Depression?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Who is at risk?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Recognizing the Signs of Paternal PostNatal Depression<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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How can PPND be helped? <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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