When most people think of postnatal depression (PND), they think of mothers. This is understandable — maternal PND is relatively well known, moderately well screened for, and there is a growing body of public awareness around it. But postnatal depression also affects fathers and non-birthing partners, in significant numbers, and it is largely overlooked.
Research published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) found that approximately 10% of fathers experience depression in the perinatal period (during pregnancy or within the first year of the baby's life). Some studies put the figure as high as 25% when broader definitions of emotional distress are used. Despite this prevalence, paternal postnatal depression is dramatically under-diagnosed, under-treated, and under-discussed.
Several factors combine to make paternal postnatal depression less visible than its maternal equivalent.
Routine screening focuses on mothers. The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) — the standard screening tool used at postnatal checks in the UK — is completed by mothers during midwife and health visitor appointments. Fathers are rarely asked the same questions formally or systematically.
Cultural expectations of fatherhood. There is a persistent cultural narrative that fathers are there to "support" the mother through new parenthood — to be strong, steady, and practically helpful. This framing leaves little room for a father to be struggling himself. Many fathers internalise this and do not seek help.
Symptoms often present differently. The "classic" presentation of depression — low mood, tearfulness, withdrawal from pleasure, hopelessness — applies to some fathers with PND, but others present quite differently. Anger, irritability, increased risk-taking, greater alcohol use, throwing themselves into work, and emotional withdrawal are all common presentations in men that may not be recognised as depression by either the man himself or the people around him.
Stigma. Mental health stigma remains higher in men than women across all age groups. Admitting to struggling emotionally when there is a cultural expectation of coping is difficult for many fathers.
Paternal PND is not caused by any single factor. The evidence points to a complex mix of:
Sleep deprivation. As discussed extensively in the literature on new parent sleep, chronic sleep deprivation has profound effects on emotional regulation and resilience. Fathers who share nighttime responsibilities are not immune to this.
Relationship stress. The transition to parenthood is one of the most significant relationship transitions a couple can navigate. Studies consistently show a dip in relationship satisfaction after the birth of a first child. Conflict, reduced intimacy, and the re-negotiation of roles are stressful for both partners.
Financial pressure. The financial demands of a new baby, combined with potentially reduced income during parental leave periods, is a documented risk factor for paternal depression.
A sense of exclusion or redundancy. Some fathers report feeling excluded from the early months of parenthood, particularly if breastfeeding is established and much of the baby's care is provided by the mother. Feeling peripheral rather than central is distressing and isolating.
Own childhood experiences. Fathers who had difficult relationships with their own fathers, or who have unresolved experiences of difficult early care, may find the intense emotions of parenthood bring these to the surface.
Pre-existing mental health difficulties. A personal or family history of depression or anxiety is the strongest individual predictor of paternal PND.
Complications in pregnancy or birth. A traumatic birth, NICU admission, or complications in either the mother or baby's health are associated with higher rates of paternal depression.
While the diagnostic criteria for depression are the same regardless of gender, the way those symptoms present in fathers often differs from the tearfulness and overt low mood that is more commonly associated with maternal PND.
Fathers with PND may experience:
Many of these symptoms are easy to rationalise away ("of course I'm tired, we have a baby") or can be attributed to other causes. This is part of why the condition remains unrecognised for so long.
It is worth noting that paternal postnatal depression is not only a concern for the father's wellbeing. Research published in The Lancet has found that children of fathers with untreated postnatal depression have higher rates of emotional and behavioural difficulties at school age, independently of maternal mental health. This is not to induce guilt — it is to underline that treating paternal PND is genuinely important for the whole family.
GP. The GP is the appropriate first point of contact. Be direct about what you are experiencing. GPs vary in their familiarity with paternal PND, but most will take a clearly expressed concern seriously and can refer you to talking therapies (CBT or counselling) through the Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) service, which is available free on the NHS.
PANDAS Foundation UK. PANDAS (Post and Antenatal Depression Association) offers support specifically for postnatal depression in both parents. Their helpline (0808 1961 776, free to call) is open Monday to Friday 9am to 8pm and Sunday 10am to 2pm.
Mind. The mental health charity Mind has extensive online resources on postnatal depression and can help find local support services. Their information line is 0300 123 3393.
Dads Matter UK. A charity specifically focused on paternal mental health, offering peer support and information for fathers struggling with the transition to parenthood.
Talking therapies via NHS. In England, you can self-refer to NHS talking therapies (sometimes called IAPT) online at referral.nhs.uk without needing a GP referral first. Waiting times vary by area but this is a useful route if you prefer not to start with your GP.
If you are reading this because you are concerned about a partner, the most useful things you can do are: name what you are seeing without judgment ("I've noticed you seem really irritable lately and I'm worried about you"), make it clear that seeking help is a strength and not a weakness, and be willing to look up services together or help them make a call.
Postnatal depression in any parent is treatable. Most people who receive appropriate support recover fully and go on to have a rich relationship with their child and family. The first step is the hardest one: saying that something is wrong.
Use the TinyYears app to journal every precious moment — photos, voice notes, videos and more.
Tracking your baby's development doesn't have to be stressful. Here's how to stay informed, spot patterns, and enjoy the journey without spiralling into comparison.
You don't need a professional camera to take beautiful photos of your baby. Here are practical tips for capturing the moments that matter, on any phone.
Comparing NHS and NCT antenatal classes, hypnobirthing, online vs in-person options, when to book, and what questions are worth raising in class.