Male Postpartum Depression
Medically reviewed by April Justice, LICSW
Updated October 9, 2024by BetterHelp Editorial Team
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While many societal conversations occur about postpartum depression for new moms, it's common for men and non-gestational parents to experience postpartum depression (PPD), as well. Postpartum depression statistics show that an estimated one out of every ten fathers experiences PPD and anxiety before or after the birth of their child. This can be referred to as paternal postpartum depression.
Pregnancy, birth, and significant lifestyle changes can put anyone at risk of developing prenatal and postnatal depression. Screening, recognizing signs and symptoms, and understanding the therapeutic options available may help you and those you love manage male postpartum depression with the appropriate resources and support during the postnatal period.
Male postpartum depression is common
Understanding postpartum depression
Postpartum depression is characterized as a period of major depressive disorder that happens around the birth of a child, with PPD, men or non-gestational parents start seeing symptoms around three to six months after birth. However, some experts use peripartum depression or perinatal depression to describe depression as early as the first trimester of pregnancy. Paternal postpartum depression is classified as a mental illness in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), similar to depression anxiety, or seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Dads and non-birthing parents of any race, gender, or financial demographic can experience PPD.
Risk factors for PPD
There are several risk factors for the development of depression symptoms in new fathers, including the following:
- Being a young parent
- A family or personal history of depression, anxiety disorders, or other mental illnesses
- A partner experiencing PPD
- History of poverty or current financial stress
- Inability to take at least 12 weeks of paid parental leave from work after childbirth
- Hormonal changes, including the decline in testosterone that may occur in men shortly before or after the birth of their child
- Sleep deprivation
- Relationship difficulties
- Unintended pregnancy
- Inadequate social support
- A lack of access to healthcare
- A premature or colicky baby
Symptoms of PPD
The mental and physical symptoms of PPD that a new father may experience are often the same regardless of gender or sexuality. Common symptoms include, among other factors:
- Low mood
- Mood swings
- Frequent or extended periods of crying
- Difficulty bonding with your child
- Withdrawal from friends, family members, or a partner
- Changes in appetite or eating habits
- Changes in sleeping habits
- Lethargy or restlessness
- Loss of enjoyment in previously enjoyed activities
- Irritability and anger
- Excessive worry about parenting abilities
- Hopelessness
- Feelings of inadequacy, shame, or guilt
- Panic attacks or overwhelming anxiety
- Difficulty focusing or concentrating
- Thoughts of self-harm or harm toward others
- Thoughts of suicide
At times, symptoms may be masked by the lack of sleep and exhaustion that is expected following the birth of a child. However, PPD is not the same as "baby blues." Symptoms of baby blues may include feeling overwhelmed, irritable, or crying due to the significant lifestyle change, exhaustion, worrying over the baby’s health, and sleep deprivation that comes with a newborn – along with a fluctuation in hormone levels following childbirth. Symptoms of this type of depression in men may occur during the pregnancy (the perinatal period) or once the baby has been delivered (the postpartum period).
"Baby blues" often dissipate in the short term. PPD, on the other hand, is a diagnosable mental illness with persistent symptoms that often require therapeutic intervention. It may also last for an extended period after birth. It can be helpful to seek support from healthcare providers or a mental health professional if you believe that yourself or a loved one may be living with paternal depression after the birth or adoption of a child.
The stigma and stereotypes of postpartum depression in males
As a new parent, you might be worried that your symptoms of depression make you an unfit parent, which can make it difficult to openly discuss your feelings and well-being with loved ones or seek professional help.
If you believe you might have PPD, remind yourself you're not alone and that other male parents can also experience PPD. Paternal postpartum depression is a type of major depressive disorder, and though it can have serious consequences, prescribed antidepressants and psychotherapy are shown to be effective. It is estimated that 80% of those diagnosed with paternal depression fully recover. Like other mental health disorders, PPD can be very treatable.
Stigma is often attached to feelings of guilt, but reminding yourself of the following truths may improve your self-acceptance and willingness to consider getting help:
- PPD can affect anyone
- Self-help is okay and not a sign of weakness or poor parenting
- Seeking help is often the first step toward recovering
- Your mental illness does not define you
- Having PPD does not mean you do not love your child or children
- PPD does not make you a bad parent
- There is no one-size-fits-all for PPD
- Although men face stigma about seeking support, you're not alone, and many men live with depressive disorders
How is male postpartum depression addressed?
Often, healthcare providers can conduct screenings for postpartum depression and other mental disorders. If these screenings indicate that PPD may be a factor in your symptoms, your medical practitioner can advise you on the next steps. However, if you are not screened for PPD, or if screening did not indicate PPD, you can still reach out for help. Below are a few options for men who experience symptoms.
Psychotherapy
Therapy can effectively address mental illness symptoms, including major depressive disorder, anxiety disorders, substance or alcohol use disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder, among others. Licensed therapists specializing in PPD often practice interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT), cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), or dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) to address symptoms.
In IPT, therapists may focus on addressing the loss of self, life transitions, and difficulties with intimacy that can occur after the birth of a child. Often, IPT therapists help clients build more social support and solid communication skills so that parenthood is less isolating and difficult to navigate. Therapy can also be helpful when navigating male PPD and restoring mental health after the birth or adoption of a new baby.
CBT is a well-known form of psychotherapy that helps clients understand how their thoughts impact their feelings and behavior and work toward reframing and evaluating maladaptive thoughts. For example, a CBT therapist may help you develop healthier coping mechanisms to remain calm if a baby cries frequently or develops behavioral problems.
CBT and IPT can be conducted individually or as a part of couples therapy based on your preferences and life situation. Your therapist may also lead support groups for men living with PPD and it may be helpful to hear other people’s stories when experiencing PPD. Your therapist may also suggest that you join a support group for other new parents or people experiencing PPD. This may help you feel less alone and give you an uplifting sense of community.
Pharmaceutical treatment from a medical professional or psychiatrist
Some medications are designed specifically to treat postpartum depression. In 2019, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the intravenous use of one medication to treat PPD in women. Other pharmaceutical treatment options for PPD may include antidepressants, hormone therapy, or neuroactive steroids. Consult a doctor before starting, changing, or stopping a medication.
Complementary mental health practices and self-care
In addition to professional support, you can try a few coping methods at home that have been proven to reduce symptoms of PPD. These include maintaining a healthy exercise routine, receiving massage therapy, socializing, accepting help, getting proper sleep, trying mindfulness or meditation, and eating a healthy diet.
Male postpartum depression is common
Counseling options
For new parents and families, the difficulty of commuting to in-person therapy can make online therapy more appealing. A 2021 study found that a single day of online CBT-based workshops effectively reduced the symptoms of PPD and anxiety and improved participants' social support and infant bonding. A separate study comparing the effectiveness of online CBT and online IPT for depression found that both were effective.
Some licensed therapists from online platforms, like BetterHelp, specialize in addressing PPD and anxiety. If you want to try online therapy, a platform can allow you to choose between phone, video, and live chat sessions and work with a provider specializing in your concerns. You can also choose the gender of your therapist if you'd prefer to work with a man who has experience treating PPD in men. Additionally, you don’t need a referral from a primary care physician to connect with a provider on BetterHelp.
Takeaway
Despite its association with women, anyone of any gender in the general population can experience postpartum depression. PPD is a common mental illness; having PPD does not make you weak or unable to parent. Symptoms are often the same as those for major depressive disorder, and many people recover fully from PPD with the help of psychotherapy, social support, medication, and the adoption of complementary practices. If you're living with the symptoms of PPD or other mental illness, consider contacting a therapist for guidance and support.
Frequently asked questions
Below are a few of the most frequently asked questions regarding PPD in men.What are the causes of postpartum depression (PPD)?
PPD is a mental illness occurring after birth. It can occur for anyone of any gender and may occur with adoptive or foster parents, as well. Causes in new dads can include:
- Hormonal changes in men after the birth of a child
- Difficulty bonding with a child
- Social pressure to provide for a family
- Stressors, like a lack of sleep from the baby's crying
- A history of depression, either personally or within the family
- A diagnosis of another mental illness, like an anxiety disorder
- Substance use disorders
Talk to a healthcare professional if you are concerned about any of these risk factors. They may use the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale to determine your likelihood of PPD. The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale asks you to rate statements on how you have felt in the last seven days.
How long is the period of postpartum depression in men?
The postpartum period lasts until six weeks after giving birth. PPD, however, can last up to a year or more after giving birth.
How do new dads cope with PPD?
Men may be able to take a few at-home steps to improve symptoms of PPD, including the following:
- Eat healthy and non-processed foods
- Exercise
- Rest as much as possible
- Avoid substance use
- Avoid reckless or risky behaviors
- Talk about your feelings with a friend, family member, or professional
- Consider journaling
How can you prevent PPD?
If you are concerned about developing PPD, your overall behavioral health, have a history of depression or other mental health conditions, or have symptoms, talk to your healthcare provider.
Many therapeutic modalities that focus on preventing or working through depressive symptoms can also be effective for PPD. If you or your spouse is pregnant currently, you might try individual or couples therapy before the baby is born to prepare for potential depressive symptoms if you may be at risk for PPD.
Is it normal to cry a lot after having a baby?
Having a baby can be overwhelming and emotional for many parents, and you might struggle to focus on self-care. Your behavioral health may be affected by these challenges. Crying after having a baby is normal and healthy, and you're not alone. However, if you're concerned about the amount you're crying, consider talking to a mental health professional.
How do dads feel when their baby is born?
Fathers may feel various emotions after a baby is born; each father is different. Some may feel relieved, excited, or enthusiastic. However, you're not alone if you struggle to bond with your baby at first. Try to spend more time with the baby and get to know them. It may help to note that they're a person like you, and they'll grow a lot throughout their life with you.
Do newborns know who their father is?
Newborns may recognize their father's voice from inside the womb. They may become familiar with their smell days after birth if the dad participates in care and skin-on-skin bonding. Babies have blurry vision when they're first born, so they might not recognize your face at first and use other senses to connect.
More questions to explore in therapy:
What are the signs of male postpartum depression, and how do they differ from depressive symptoms in women?
How can a man recognize if he is experiencing postnatal depression?
What are some common causes of depression in men after the birth of a child?
How does male postpartum depression impact a man’s mental health and his ability to bond with his newborn?
How can a family address and treat postnatal depression in men?
What societal factors might contribute to the underreporting or misdiagnosis of male postpartum depression in men?
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