Yes, Dads Get Postpartum Depression, Too

Yes, Dads Get Postpartum Depression, Too

Not many people realize dads can also be affected by postpartum depression and anxiety. Read on to learn more about the symptoms and how to navigate the journey.

We tend to think of postpartum depression (PPD) as something moms experience. But dads can be affected, too! A recent Nanit Lab study found that 21 percent of fathers reported experiencing symptoms of depression or anxiety after becoming a parent. And 65 percent of dads aren’t aware that their symptoms are associated with PPD—which can limit dads’ ability to seek help.

Moms’ lives change dramatically once they have kids, to be sure. “Dads’ lives also change in a big way, but not many people talk about that.” says Natalie Barnett, VP of Clinical Research at Nanit and one of the authors of the Nanit study. “Dads are expected to carry on like nothing ever happened when, at home, they’re dealing with a lot of new things: nighttime wake ups, trying to support their partner, diaper changes and feedings.” Plus, dads may feel like they’re not allowed to speak up about their feelings since they didn’t deliver the baby or experience hormone changes of pregnancy and postpartum. That stigma and shame can also make it hard for dads to ask for help if they need it. And symptoms of PPD for fathers can be different than those of moms, so it’s sometimes trickier to spot them.  

All of which is why, Dads, we want to show you the love! Here are common PPD symptoms to watch out for and ways to find the support you need and deserve. 

How to Recognize the Postpartum Depression Signs in Dads

Some of the common symptoms dads experience with PPD include:

  • Changes in appetite
  • Sleep problems like insomnia
  • Extreme fatigue
  • Anger and irritability
  • Jealousy
  • Feeling helpless
  • Emotional detachment; having difficulty bonding with your baby

In the Nanit study, sleep problems were the most common symptom reported by parents, affecting 72 percent of fathers and 59 percent of mothers. But dads are less likely than moms to recognize any of these symptoms as being connected to postpartum anxiety or depression.

These findings show a need for more education and awareness around fathers experiencing PMADs (perinatal mood and anxiety disorders), so that moms and dads can recognize problems early and seek treatment when it’s needed. 

How to Get Help

Calling all dads! Consider this your permission slip to feel what you’re feeling, know that you’re not alone, and take action to feel better. These ideas can get you started:

  1. Talk to your partner about how you’re feeling. The two of you are a team, now more than ever, and your partner will want to know if you’re struggling or hurting.
  2. Sleep. Nanit’s study found that sleep and exercise were the most important factors that helped dads resolve PMAD symptoms. And while we know the idea of getting either may sound impossible at the moment, look for whatever ways you can to include them in your day-to-day routine. For sleep, Nanit’s Pro Camera and Sound+Light monitors are proven tools that help families sleep longer and better during the night. You may also want to strategize with your partner on setting up a sleep schedule. For example, you might trade off attending to nighttime wakeups or getting up with early bird little ones, so you both are guaranteed some uninterrupted stretches of sleep. Also, that old adage—sleep when the baby sleeps—is a good one whenever you can make it work! So, even if you have never been a napper before, sneak in a nap or three on the weekends or when you can; even a 15-minute catnap can refresh you!
  3. Exercise. Let’s be honest: You likely don’t have the time or energy these days to head out for a long bike ride or run. (You’ll get back to those eventually when everyone’s bigger.) For now, work in movement wherever you can, whether it’s wearing the baby and walking, instead of driving, to the store or taking the dog and the stroller out for a loop around the block. 
  4. Take parental leave if you can. If your employer offers parental leave when you have a child, take advantage of the benefit. “I would love for dads to take as much parental leave as moms do,” says Dr. Natalie. “It’s often not seen as okay by a dad’s employer or others, and we need to do whatever we can to help parents feel confident about that choice. When families can be together after their child is born, it’s a really great thing for dads and the whole family. It helps dads to bond better with their baby and their partner. It benefits everyone.” 
  5. Seek medical care if you need it. Some issues are bigger than you can handle on your own. So reach out to your doctor, therapist, or another trained medical provider, as screenings for symptoms in fathers can help with early detection and treatment. Your provider will be able to offer you important insights and strategies to keep you company and see you through to the other side. Above all, know that postpartum depression is not something you have to suffer through alone!

Find out more about how to make Nanit part of your parenting village, letting you get more rest and build your confidence.

Nanit is dedicated to delivering high-quality, reliable content for our readers. Our Parent Confidently articles are crafted by experienced parenting contributors and are firmly rooted in data and research. To ensure the accuracy and relevance of the content, all articles undergo a rigorous review process by our team of parenting experts. Additionally, our wellness-related content receives further scrutiny from Nanit Lab, our think tank of scientists, engineers, physicians, academic experts, and thought leaders.

Our primary objective is to furnish readers with the most current, trustworthy, and actionable information concerning a host of parenting topics. We strive to empower our readers to make informed decisions by offering comprehensive and respected insights.

In pursuit of transparency and credibility, our articles incorporate credible third-party sources, peer-reviewed studies, and abstracts. These sources are directly linked within the text or provided at the bottom of the articles to grant readers easy access to the source material.

CONTRIBUTORS

Natalie Barnett, PhD serves as VP of Clinical Research at Nanit. Natalie initiated sleep research collaborations at Nanit and in her current role, Natalie oversees collaborations with researchers at hospitals and universities around the world who use the Nanit camera to better understand pediatric sleep and leads the internal sleep and development research programs at Nanit. Natalie holds a Ph.D. in Genetics from the University of New England in Australia and a Postgraduate Certificate in Pediatric Sleep Science from the University of Western Australia. Natalie was an Assistant Professor in the Neurogenetics Unit at NYU School of Medicine prior to joining Nanit. Natalie is also the voice of Nanit's science-backed, personalized sleep tips delivered to users throughout their baby's first few years.

Kristy Ojala is Nanit’s Digital Content Director. She spends way too much time looking at maps and weather forecasts and pictures of Devon Rex cats and no-cook dinners. A former sleep champion, she strives to share trustworthy somnabulism tips with other parents—praying for that one fine day when no tiny humans wake her up while it’s still dark out. Her kids highly recommend 3 books, approximately 600 stuffies, Chopin’s “Nocturnes,” and the Nanit Sound + Light for bedtime success.

Mackenzie Sangster is on the Brand and Community team at Nanit. She supports content development and editing for Nanit’s Parent Confidently blog as well as other marketing initiatives. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her friends, cooking, being active, and using the Pro + Flex Duo to keep an eye on her fur-baby, Poppy!

Holly Hays is a contributor and writer for Nanit, channeling her years as a mama and former magazine editor to create fun, useful content for fellow busy, trying-to-do-their-best parents and caregivers. Holly has written for a wide range of brands and media outlets (Ergobaby, HGTV, Manhattan Toy Company, OXO), loves to cook and read mystery novels, and leans heavily on her two daughters to keep her up to date on all the latest slang.

Nanit is dedicated to delivering high-quality, reliable content for our readers. Our Parent Confidently articles are crafted by experienced parenting contributors and are firmly rooted in data and research. To ensure the accuracy and relevance of the content, all articles undergo a rigorous review process by our team of parenting experts. Additionally, our wellness-related content receives further scrutiny from Nanit Lab, our think tank of scientists, engineers, physicians, academic experts, and thought leaders.

Our primary objective is to furnish readers with the most current, trustworthy, and actionable information concerning a host of parenting topics. We strive to empower our readers to make informed decisions by offering comprehensive and respected insights.

In pursuit of transparency and credibility, our articles incorporate credible third-party sources, peer-reviewed studies, and abstracts. These sources are directly linked within the text or provided at the bottom of the articles to grant readers easy access to the source material.

CONTRIBUTORS

Natalie Barnett, PhD serves as VP of Clinical Research at Nanit. Natalie initiated sleep research collaborations at Nanit and in her current role, Natalie oversees collaborations with researchers at hospitals and universities around the world who use the Nanit camera to better understand pediatric sleep and leads the internal sleep and development research programs at Nanit. Natalie holds a Ph.D. in Genetics from the University of New England in Australia and a Postgraduate Certificate in Pediatric Sleep Science from the University of Western Australia. Natalie was an Assistant Professor in the Neurogenetics Unit at NYU School of Medicine prior to joining Nanit. Natalie is also the voice of Nanit's science-backed, personalized sleep tips delivered to users throughout their baby's first few years.

Kristy Ojala is Nanit’s Digital Content Director. She spends way too much time looking at maps and weather forecasts and pictures of Devon Rex cats and no-cook dinners. A former sleep champion, she strives to share trustworthy somnabulism tips with other parents—praying for that one fine day when no tiny humans wake her up while it’s still dark out. Her kids highly recommend 3 books, approximately 600 stuffies, Chopin’s “Nocturnes,” and the Nanit Sound + Light for bedtime success.

Mackenzie Sangster is on the Brand and Community team at Nanit. She supports content development and editing for Nanit’s Parent Confidently blog as well as other marketing initiatives. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her friends, cooking, being active, and using the Pro + Flex Duo to keep an eye on her fur-baby, Poppy!