Postpartum Depression in Dads: What Every Parent Should Know

At Little Otter, we understand that parental mental health and child mental health are deeply connected: when caregivers are supported, kids thrive. This Father’s Day, Little Otter is partnering with Gerber as part of their Parent-Friendly Pursuit, to shed light on a lesser-known aspect of parenting: postpartum depression in dads.

Gerber believes the best way to nourish little ones is to create a better world for our parents. That’s why they’ve embarked on the Parent-Friendly Pursuit to lighten the load for parents.

When people talk about postpartum depression, the conversation usually centers on mothers, and for good reason: 1 in 5 new moms develop depression. The mental toll of pregnancy and postpartum is exacerbated by hormonal fluctuations, the risk of pregnancy complications, the experience of birth itself, and medical conditions that arise can arise during pregnancy and after birth. So, it's not surprising that paternal mental health is often pushed to the side, more specifically postpartum depression in dads. 

While it's less widely known, fathers can experience deep emotional struggles after the birth (or adoption) of a child. Studies are showing 1 in 11 dads will develop depression symptoms during the postpartum period, and rates are even higher when the mother is also struggling.

In some studies, maternal depression was the strongest predictor of paternal depression even beyond the father’s own history of depression. Some studies suggest up to 25% of dads may show symptoms of depression during the postpartum period but many go undiagnosed due to stigma, cultural expectations, or lack of awareness.

Bringing a child into your life changes everything: your identity, your relationship, your routines, even your brain. Those changes can take a toll, no matter your role in the family.

What Is Postpartum Depression in Dads?

Paternal postpartum depression (PPD) refers to a period of intense emotional distress and depressive symptoms that some fathers experience during their baby’s first year. It’s not just “baby blues” or the expected stress of new parenthood. This is a diagnosable mental health condition that can seriously impact a father's well-being and family relationships if left untreated.  

Unfortunately, dads are more likely to underreport the traditional symptoms of depression, largely due to cultural conceptions of masculinity that are imposed on—and internalized by—men. Add to that the common societal misconception that fathers are more like “babysitters” than primary caregivers, and it becomes less surprising that we rarely see new dads in therapy. Unlike mothers, they’re often not screened for mental health concerns during the perinatal period.

If you think you might be suffering from postpartum depression, our Family Mental Health Check-up can give you a picture of your entire family's mental health.

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Why It Happens: Causes of Postpartum Depression in Fathers

Just like moms, dads undergo major physical, emotional, and psychological shifts when a baby enters their life. The combination of these factors contribute to the higher rates of postpartum depression in parents.

Hormonal and Biological Changes

Surprisingly, research shows that fathers experience hormonal changes too. Testosterone levels often drop, while hormones like estrogen and oxytocin, the ones linked to bonding and caregiving, can rise. These shifts are nature’s way of helping fathers tune in to their baby’s needs. But they can also leave dads more emotionally sensitive and vulnerable to mood swings, especially when layered with stress or sleep loss.

Sleep Deprivation and Stress

Broken nights, unpredictable wakeups, and the constant demands of a newborn can wear anyone down. Add in work responsibilities, financial worries, and the pressure to "hold it all together," and it’s easy to see how stress can build. Sleep deprivation alone is a known contributor to depression, and for many dads, it becomes the tipping point.

Shifts in Identity and Relationship Roles

Becoming a father changes everything. Suddenly, you're not just a partner, son, or employee, you're Dad. And figuring out what that means can feel disorienting. Some men struggle with a loss of independence or feel pushed to the sidelines during those early months. Others notice a shift in their relationship like less connection and more tension and aren’t sure how to talk about it. 

Lack of Social or Emotional Support

Here's the truth: many dads don't have a safe place to open up. Cultural messages often tell men to tough it out or hide their struggles which only makes things worse. Without a supportive space to talk honestly about what they’re experiencing, many fathers end up feeling isolated, overwhelmed, and ashamed for needing help in the first place.

It may also be difficult for dads to be struggling and feel invisible as a lot of the attention can be on mom and baby during the newborn phase.  For example, screening for postpartum depression is typically done for moms after birth but rarely done for dads, even with the data we have about how common it is. 

Signs and Symptoms of Postpartum Depression in Dads

In therapy, it’s often moms who reach out for support first. But as we start to understand the whole family’s experience, it quickly becomes clear: dads are struggling too. Many fathers suffer quietly, unsure of how—or whether—to ask for help. In fact, only 3.2% of new dads seek mental health care. 

It’s not always obvious, but if you or someone you love is struggling, here are some red flags to look for:

Emotional Symptoms

• Irritability or anger
• Persistent sadness or hopelessness
• Guilt or feelings of worthlessness
• Feeling numb or disconnected from the baby

Physical Symptoms

• Fatigue that is not resolved with a good night of sleep
• Appetite changes (eating much more or much less than usual)
• Trouble sleeping, even when sleep time is available 

Behavioral Changes

• Withdrawing from family or friends
• Increased use of alcohol or drugs
• Escaping into work or hobbies to avoid parenting
• Trouble focusing or making decisions

Impact on the Family

Postpartum depression in dads doesn’t just affect the person experiencing it, it ripples through the entire family system. Understanding those ripple effects can help families respond with empathy, not shame, and recognize when it’s time to reach out for support.

Effects on the Partner

When one partner is struggling, the other often feels it: emotionally, mentally, and even physically. Parenting is a team effort, and when depression shows up, it can throw that balance off. The partner might feel confused, unsupported, or even resentful, especially if they’re also navigating their own challenges like postpartum recovery or emotional changes.

Maternal and paternal mental health are closely linked. In fact, when moms experience postpartum depression, fathers are significantly more likely to develop symptoms too. What starts as one person’s struggle can quickly become a shared emotional weight.

Effects on Bonding With the Baby

Depression can act like a wall between a father and his child. It can dull emotional responses, reduce energy, and make everyday caregiving tasks feel overwhelming. Some dads describe feeling disconnected, unsure how to engage, or worried they’re “doing it wrong.”

Over time, this emotional distance can impact bonding. Babies thrive on consistent, attuned caregiving like eye contact, soothing, play, and affection. When a parent is emotionally checked out, even unintentionally, the baby may miss out on those key building blocks of attachment. 

Long-Term Consequences if Untreated

When paternal postpartum depression goes unrecognized or untreated, the effects can last far beyond the newborn stage. It can lead to chronic relationship stress, reduced parenting confidence, and emotional or behavioral difficulties in children including anxiety, aggression, or trouble regulating emotions.

Treatment Options for Postpartum Depression in Dads

Therapy / Counseling

Working with a therapist can help dads process their emotions, learn coping skills, and reconnect with themselves and their families. It also provides a safe outlet to explore this challenging phase of life without judgment or shame. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), interpersonal therapy (IPT), and couples counseling can all be helpful.

Medication

In some cases, antidepressant medication may be recommended especially if symptoms are severe or interfering with daily life. This should always be discussed with a doctor or psychiatrist. 

Little Otter has experts that can treat postpartum depression in dads with therapists who can offer individual therapy, couples counseling, and family therapy, and psychiatrists that can provide medication management.

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Lifestyle Changes and Support Networks

You don’t have to overhaul your life to start feeling better. Sometimes it’s the small, consistent shifts that create the biggest change. When you're in the thick of early parenthood, it’s easy to forget your own needs. But your mental health matters, and taking care of yourself isn’t selfish, it’s essential.

• Prioritize rest where you can. Sleep might feel like a luxury, but even short stretches of quality rest can make a difference. Tag-team with your partner, nap when the baby naps, or ask a trusted friend or family member to step in so you can catch a break. 
• Fuel your body. It’s not about perfect meals, it’s about not running on coffee and crumbs all day. Try to eat something nourishing every few hours, and move your body when you can. A short walk outside or just sitting in the sun can help clear mental fog and boost mood.
• Stay connected. Being new to fatherhood can feel isolating, especially if your friends aren’t in the same season of life as you. Reach out anyway. A quick check-in text, a five-minute call, or meeting a friend for coffee can remind you that you’re not alone.
• Find your people. Whether it’s a local dads’ group or an online community, being around others who “get it” can be incredibly validating. You don’t have to explain the exhaustion, the joy, or the overwhelm. Groups like Postpartum Support International have support groups for dads and more dad communities are gaining traction like Brooklyn Stroll Club.  

When to Seek Help

Overall, we encourage new parents to seek support if depression symptoms are present after the first two weeks of a newborn baby's life which is often described as the “baby blues” period.  Depression symptoms in this specific postpartum period can include feelings of overwhelm or feeling like one cannot cope, lack of feeling connected to the baby, inability to take care of oneself or one’s family, isolation, agitation, and increased somatic symptoms such as headaches.

For dads, depressive symptoms can present a little differently. Depressive symptoms in fathers tend to spike between 3-6 months postpartum and may present with more irritability, aggressiveness, and hostility rather than sadness. We also see dads often “mask” their symptoms through increased distractions like hobbies or substance use.  Dads experiencing depressive symptoms may also appear “checked out” and have increased self-isolation during this time period.

While dads often have assumptions on fatherhood that include thinking they are “supposed to be the rock of the family,” mental health symptoms of depression can greatly impact those family relationships. If left untreated, studies show postpartum depression can lead to additional risks for both parents and baby. If symptoms are getting in the way of daily functioning, it is highly recommended to seek help.

Asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness. It’s a sign that you’re invested in being the healthiest version of yourself: for you, your baby, and your family.

How to Support a Partner or Friend with Postpartum Depression

What Loved Ones Can Do

• Let them know you’ve noticed something is off and that you care
• Encourage them to talk to a therapist or doctor
• Offer to help with practical tasks so they can rest and recharge
• Reassure them that they’re not failing — they’re human

Talking About It Without Stigma

Avoid minimizing or brushing it off, “You’re just tired” or “It’ll pass.” Instead, create space for honest conversation: “You’ve been going through so much. I wonder if talking to someone might help. I’m here for you.”

Postpartum depression in dads is real and it’s more common than most people realize. But you don’t have to suffer in silence. With support, understanding, and care, healing is absolutely possible. If you or someone you love is struggling, reach out.

If you or someone you love if feeling suicidal or homicidal, please contact emergency resources including calling 911 or 988 or visiting your local emergency department.

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