Dad/Partner Mental Health
Welcome to our comprehensive resource page for dads and partners experiencing postpartum mood disorders. Becoming a parent is an incredible and transformative experience, but it can also bring about a range of emotions and challenges. While postpartum mood disorders are commonly associated with mothers, it is essential to recognize that dads and partners can also be affected. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or experiencing symptoms of depression, this page is designed to provide valuable information, support, and resources specifically tailored to your unique needs. We understand that navigating this journey can be daunting, but remember that you are not alone. Let us accompany you on this path toward healing and provide you with the tools to support your well-being as a dad or partner during this critical time in your life.
Here at Birth it Forward, we support families, not just mothers. Our doulas provide mental health screening to both partners and can provide you with resources to get help. We believe income should not hinder getting the support you need. Families can apply for sliding scale rates, and fees are waived for families with WIC. You can also call or email our warmline; someone will get back to you within 24 hours.
Call: 913-677-1300 or email warmline@birthitforward.org
Research & Science
Fathers, Partners, & Non-gestational Parents
“O’Brien and colleagues found 10% of fathers experience depression and anxiety during the perinatal period. Fathers have been shown to exhibit symptoms of irritability, self-isolation, overworking, substance abuse, and hopelessness.9 Research also demonstrates that the most significant risk factor for depression in fathers, both prenatally and in the postpartum period, is maternal depression.”
“As the literature emerges, evidence reflects that fathers, partners, and other non-gestational/non-biological parents (e.g. foster and adoptive parents) are also affected by the stress of having a newborn and may experience anxiety and depression. They are also at risk for anxiety and depression which directly relates to poor outcomes for the child.”
NPA Position Statement 2018 – Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders
Tiffany N. Willis, PsyD & Colleagues
Published Online By National Perinatal Association
May 2018
“Between 5 and 10 percent of new fathers in the United States suffer from PPD, according to U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data. One study shows that the risk goes up to 24 to 50 percent for men whose partners suffer from PPD.“
Forgotten fathers: New dads also at risk for postpartum depression. Study provides an in-depth look at new fathers’ experiences with PPD
By Keyonna Summers
Published online by Science Daily
March 7, 2019
Media Articles & Blogs
“… if the depression goes unrecognised, ‘one of most terrible things is that you catch up with yourself a year later and realise you have been really down and struggling – and the first year of your child’s life has gone.’”
Dr Miriam Stoppard: Post-natal depression is common in men
By Miriam Stoppard
Published online by Mirror UK
Aug 1, 2019
“I’ve learned that postpartum depression and anxiety can look very different in fathers. For me, I acted totally out of character and wanted to avoid family members. I drank more to cope and was not feeling the overwhelming paternal love that society was telling me I should. I was even starting fights with the doorman, hoping someone would hit me and somehow release the pain I was feeling inside. I was overeating, isolated from society, and looking after Michelle. I was having money worries after giving up work for six months and couldn’t tell my best mates due to the stigma. I didn’t think men could have postnatal depression and felt I had to ‘man up‘ because all I wanted was for my wife to be happy.”
Dads mental health
by Mark Williams
Published online for the PSI Blog
June 17, 2018
“‘New fathers, like mothers, can grapple with anxiety, depression and traumas and also struggle to bond with their babies,‘ said Mark Williams, founder of Fathers Reaching Out…”
Postpartum depression in new dads often missed
By Manas Mishra
Published online by Business Insider
June 10, 2019
“For parents, postpartum OCD can manifest itself in terrifying, intrusive thoughts about being violent or even sexually abusive toward their own children. Parents with postpartum OCD are not at risk of acting on those thoughts, but that doesn’t change how difficult it is for men to live with them.”
These New Dads Love Their Babies. So Why Can’t They Stop Thinking About Hurting Them?
By Natasha Preskey
Published online by Men’s Health
May 1, 2018