Paternal Postpartum Depression
Paternal postpartum depression (PPPD) affects many new fathers, causing symptoms like irritability, sadness, and withdrawal. With treatment options like therapy, support groups, and self-care, men experiencing PPPD can find relief and regain balance in their lives. Learn to recognize symptoms and explore ways to support new dads through this challenging time. Find a Therapist Now
Can Men Get Postpartum Depression Too?
Yes, approximately 25% of new fathers will suffer from symptoms of postpartum depression. However, only about 10% of cases get recorded.
The condition in men is known as paternal postpartum depression (PPPD) or paternal postnatal depression (PPND).
Unfortunately, there is little awareness of postpartum depression in men because it is not as common as PPD in women. The condition often goes undiagnosed and untreated.
Thankfully, the medical community and the general public are becoming more aware of PPD developing in men.
The Journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics published an article in 2020 about the importance of providing mental health screening to both new parents not just the woman who gave birth.
Approximately 25% of new fathers will suffer from symptoms of postpartum depression; however, only about 10% of cases get recorded. The condition in men is known as paternal postpartum depression (PPPD) or paternal postnatal depression (PPND).
If you suspect that you or your loved one suffers from paternal postpartum depression, share your concerns with your doctor or healthcare provider. They may ask you to take a depression screening (questionnaire) to determine whether you or your partner has developed paternal postpartum depression.
What Causes PPD in Men or Partners?
Men with paternal postpartum depression may not understand how it developed.
There is no one specific cause for PPD in men, and it is usually the result of a combination of factors that appear along with a new baby.
Causes for PPD in men include:
- A continual lack of sleep, which can lead to mental and physical strain
- Hormonal changes (e.g., lower prolactin or testosterone levels)
- Financial stress, as a new baby requires costly new supplies and equipment such as strollers, cribs, and diapers
- Relationship tension with their partner, as the relationship changes and they no longer have time to spend together or bond
- Feeling excluded from the bond between mother and child, as only the mother can participate in activities like breastfeeding
The scenarios above can occur without leading to PPD in men but are more likely to occur when other risk factors are present as well.
Risk Factors for Postpartum Depression in Men
Risk factors for PPD differ from potential causes in that they were present in the man’s life before or outside of the pregnancy or birth of the baby.
And like maternal depression, many potential risk factors contribute to perinatal depression in expecting or new fathers, from sleep deprivation to preexisting mental illness.
Risk factors of paternal postpartum depression include:
- PPD in the mother
- A high-stress lifestyle, including career and family
- Poor relationship with in-laws
- Lack of support from his parents
- Being part of a non-standard family (i.e., unmarried men or stepfathers)
- History of depression or other type of mental illness, such as anxiety disorders or mood disorders
- Young paternal age
- Low income
- Education level
- Men who adhere to traditional gender stereotypes and roles
One of the most significant risk factors for paternal postpartum depression is the development of postpartum depression in the mother.
Half of all men with a partner suffering from postpartum depression will show signs of depression as well.
Symptoms of Male Postpartum Depression
The first step in getting help for paternal postpartum depression is knowing the broad range of symptoms that can affect new dads.
Knowing the difference between paternal postpartum depression symptoms and “baby blues” symptoms is also essential.
The “baby blues” are common among new parents. Like new mothers, fathers often feel stressed, overwhelmed, or tired—especially if they are first-time dads. Fortunately, the symptoms usually go away within a few days once the father can take time for himself, exercise, or visit friends.
Paternal postpartum depression symptoms, however, are much more severe and long-lasting. They do not go away just by getting out of the house.
Common symptoms of paternal postpartum depression include:
- Withdrawing socially
- Trying to focus more on work or other distractions
- Consistently low energy and fatigue
- Feeling unmotivated
- Loss of interest in hobbies and regular activities
- Changes in sleep, weight, and appetite
- Alcohol and substance abuse
- Headaches and stomach aches
- Feeling easily stressed or frustrated
- Violent or aggressive behavior
- Impulsive and risky behavior
- Anger and irritability
These symptoms may occur at any point during the first year after the baby is born, in a time frame known as the postnatal period.
There is also a severe form of postpartum depression called postpartum psychosis, which can result in paranoia, delusions, and hallucinations. This form is much more common in women but can also occur in men.
Postpartum Depression in Men vs. Women
While it was once thought that postpartum depression was a result of hormonal factors affecting new mothers, it is now known that social and psychological factors also play a large role.
Because of this and along with hormonal factors, both men and women can experience postpartum depression, though the incidence and characteristics differ.
Differences between men and women with PPD include:
- Prevalence: Around 1 in 10 men experience PPD, while as many as 1 in 4 women do.
- Onset: Men start experiencing symptoms around 3-6 months after the baby is born, while women can start experiencing symptoms around the 1-3 week mark after giving birth.
- Symptoms: Men may experience anger, irritability, and impulsive or violent behaviors, while women may experience sadness, anxiety, and feelings of shame or guilt.
- Impact on the child: PPD in men is more likely to result in behavioral problems for the child, while PPD in women is more likely to result in emotional problems for the child.
Diagnosing Paternal Postpartum Depression
Men often have a difficult time discussing their postpartum depression symptoms. This difficulty is more common if their partner, the mother, suffers from PPD as well.
In these cases, many men hide their feelings to reduce the burden of their partner’s condition. Men may also feel ashamed of and confused by their postpartum symptoms, so they might be reluctant to seek medical help.
In any case, it is complex to diagnose postpartum depression in men. However, reaching a diagnosis and seeking help is critical for the couple’s relationship and their child’s future.
An official diagnosis of postpartum depression can only come from a licensed healthcare professional. This is not always easy if the man is uncomfortable seeking professional help.
There is also no specific standard for diagnosing PPD in women or men. However, many healthcare providers use the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, a 10-item questionnaire that rates the person being evaluated on various symptoms of depression.
Men who are hesitant about seeking help from a healthcare professional may want to have their partners accompany them so they feel more supported. They may also want to consider a telehealth consult until they feel more comfortable seeking in-person help.
Treatment for Men with Paternal Postpartum Depression
Men with paternal postpartum depression must be equally proactive in seeking help and treatment options.
Men should know that what they are experiencing is normal. There is no shame in feeling depression or anxiety after the birth of a child, as it is a huge lifestyle change that brings extreme emotional shifts.
The following are the most common treatment options available for postpartum depression in men.
PPD Medications
Like women, men have access to PPD medications like antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications.
Anyone taking such medications during the postpartum period should be closely monitored and should also combine their treatment with therapy.
Talk Therapy
Men can also explore other avenues of psychiatry, including counseling, psychotherapy (i.e., “talk therapy”), or support from other mental health professionals.
One type of behavioral therapy that is particularly effective with PPD is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which focuses on the relationship between a person’s thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.
Postpartum Depression Support Groups
There are many postpartum depression support groups available that cater specifically to men. These groups provide a safe space for men to discuss their concerns and feel understood by others with similar experiences.
Men can also participate in family-oriented support groups, such as postpartum support groups for couples, to help them learn healthy coping and relationship skills while enjoying the social support of these groups.
Often, these support groups are available both in-person or online, depending on what the man is most comfortable with.
Couples Therapy
In addition to support groups for couples, new parents may also want to consider private relationship counseling.
Couples counseling can help men and women in relationships to improve their communication, develop coping strategies they can implement together, and acknowledge their feelings and experiences around becoming parents.
Acupuncture & Massage Therapies
Holistic therapies like acupuncture and massage therapy can also help men to relax and relieve stress.
These types of therapies can also encourage more restful sleep, which can, in turn, help with postpartum depression and newborn fatigue.
Self-Help Tips for Men with Paternal Postpartum Depression
Self-help practices are excellent ways to reduce stress and depression symptoms.
Examples of self-help practices include:
- Participating in exercise to stay active and get moving
- Eating healthy to promote energy and more activity
- Getting more sleep to stay alert and less sluggish throughout the day
- Meditating to stay mindful and keep overthinking under control
- Journaling to practice gratitude and explore emotions
- Discovering triggers and learning healthy coping mechanisms to address them
- Avoiding alcohol and drugs to encourage facing problems rather than avoiding them
Men should also strive for open communication about their feelings so they do not become closed off and worsen their condition.
Paternal postpartum depression can be a severe condition, but it is treatable. Seeking professional help is often not enough. Implementing self-care practices helps men go the extra mile to recover from their depression.
Like women, men deserve recovery for their own health and the health of their family members.
Find Treatment for Men & Partners with PPD
Postpartum women and men should know that they are never alone and that what they are experiencing is incredibly common. Help is readily available when they are ready to seek it.
At PostpartumDepression.org, we offer a vast directory of nationwide therapists, all skilled and highly vetted by our team.
No matter where you are located and what type of therapeutic intervention you are looking for to feel better and improve your well-being, we can help you find it and get started today.
Male Postpartum Depression FAQs
What does postpartum depression look like in men?
Postpartum depression can look different for each man but tends to look like irritability, annoyance, and anger.
This condition also tends to peak later for men than women, so you may notice it after the woman in the relationship has already shown signs.
What can a husband do for postpartum depression?
A husband can take several steps to feel better if they have postpartum depression, including exercising, eating well, making sure to get enough rest, and doing their best to resist isolation.
If the depression is severe, they may also want to consider seeking help from a professional and even trying medications such as antidepressants.
Can postpartum depression affect same-sex partners?
Yes, postpartum depression can affect same-sex partners, regardless of the gender involved.
For this reason, individuals in same-sex partnerships should keep a close eye on themselves and each other after welcoming a new baby.
What are the signs of postpartum depression in men?
The signs of postpartum depression in men can vary but are similar to those that women experience and may include:
- A depressed or sad mood
- Loss of interest in activities
- Changes in appetite or sleeping habits
- Difficulty focusing or concentrating
- Irritability or anger
- Impulsive behavior
- A lack of energy and motivation
