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Whether it's sleep deprivation, money worries, new responsibilities, or the relationship dynamic shifting, dads also have a lot to take on board. This is a huge life change for both parents. On top of this, dads and co-parents might feel guilty about what their partner is going through, knowing they aren't the ones breastfeeding at 3am or healing from labour and birth.

Here's what you need to know about postnatal depression in partners. (Most of the research has been conducted in fathers to date, so while we often refer to dads below, we know it can apply to all types of partners.)

1. Dads and partners can experience depression in the first year after birth

The number of men who become depressed in the first year after becoming a dad is double that of the general population (Davé et al, 2010). Twenty five percent of dads experience mild depressive symptoms (Noorullah et al, 2020) and around 10% to 12% have a diagnosis of depression (Paulson et al, 2010; Philpott and Corcoran, 2018).

First time dads are appear to be more vulnerable to postnatal depression than dads welcoming subsequent children (Fatherhood Institute, 2010).

2. Postnatal depression in men and other partners often goes undiagnosed

The peak time for postnatal depression in men is three to six months after the birth (Fatherhood Institute, 2010).

As with postnatal depression in mums, it often goes undiagnosed. The symptoms can look a lot like the everyday stresses of having a newborn (Musser et al, 2013).

If you have concerns about your own or your partner's mental health, do seek help from your GP who can help you to access support services.

3. Hormonal changes may play a role

Just as with mums, changes in hormones might make postnatal depression in dads more likely (Saxbe et al, 2017).

Hormones including testosterone, oestrogen, cortisol, vasopressin, and prolactin may change in dads during the period after their babies arrive (Kim and Swain, 2007).

4. Postnatal depression in dads and partners is more likely if the mum has depression too

If one of you is experiencing emotional or mental health difficulties, it's more likely that the other is too. Of fathers with depressed partners, a quarter to half may experience depression themselves (Fatherhood Institute, 2010).

5. A range of factors can make dads and partners more likely to get postnatal depression

Dads who are under 25 are more likely to experience postnatal depression than their older counterparts (Davé et al, 2010).

Yet age isn't the only risk factor for postnatal depression in men. Other major risk factors include a history of depression and anxiety, financial pressures, and no longer being in a relationship with the child's mother (Huang and Warner, 2005; Wee et al, 2010; Nazareth, 2011).

Other factors that make postnatal depression in men more likely include: sleeping or crying issues with the baby; drug abuse or dependence; and feeling unsupported by their partners (Huang and Warner, 2005; Fatherhood Institute, 2010; Stadtlander, 2015).

However, the relationship between these factors is unclear so they might not necessarily be the direct cause of mental health difficulties.

6. Postnatal depression in dads and partners can show itself in different ways than in mums

Symptoms can include:

fear, confusion, helplessness and uncertainty about the future

withdrawal from family life, work and social situations

indecisiveness

frustration, irritability, cynicism and anger

marital conflict

partner violence

negative parenting behaviours

alcohol and drug use

physical symptoms like indigestion, changes in appetite and weight, diarrhoea, constipation, headaches, toothaches and nausea.

(Musser et al, 2013; Stadtlander, 2015)

7. Postnatal depression in dads and partners can take its toll on their relationships

Postnatal depression in dads can affect their relationship with the baby's mother (Wee et al, 2011; Demontigny et al, 2013). It can also affect the relationship they have with their child. They may play and engage less with their children and talk more negatively about and to them. They may sing and read less to their children, and may discipline them more harshly (Sethna et al, 2015).

8. Postnatal depression in dads and partners can have an impact on the development of their child

Dads' depression is associated with emotional, social and behavioural problems as well as developmental delay in their children (Fatherhood Institute, 2010).

The association is stronger when a father experiences antenatal as well as postnatal depression, and when his symptoms are particularly severe. There is also a stronger association when the mum also has mental health problems (Stadtlander, 2015).

9. Screening is available

You might associate screening with physical illness but mental health diagnoses are catching up. Men who are concerned about their mental health can use this NHS screening tool (NHS, 2020). Alternatively, if you're concerned, see your GP or call NHS 111.

10. Postnatal depression in dads and partners is treated the same as postnatal depression in mums

The treatment of paternal postnatal depression is in its early stages. Currently, the options for treatment are the same as for mothers with psychotropic medication and/or talking therapies (Nazareth, 2011; NHS, 2018).

Relationship counselling may also be useful (Musser et al, 2013).

Most, importantly share how you're feeling. You're not alone and support is available.
This page was last reviewed in February 2022.
We run Partners in Mind, a peer-to-peer support group for dads and partners in the North West. There are lots of videos and online resources to help you manage your mental health, as well as groups so you can meet and talk to other dads. Take a look at their information page here, email parentsinmindnw@nct.org.uk or follow them on Instagram @nctparentsinmindpartners and on Facebook @NCT Parents in Mind.

Our support line offers practical and emotional support in all areas of pregnancy, birth and early parenthood: 0300 330 0700. We also offer antenatal courses that are a great way for both parents to find out more about birth, labour and life with a new baby.

For information and support, visit Fathers Reaching Out run by Mark Williams, campaigner, speaker and writer.

The Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) is leading a movement against male suicide, the single biggest killer of men under 45 in the UK.

The Hub of Hope is a national mental health database, bringing help and support together in one place, with a focus on grassroots organisation.

ANDYSMANCLUB is a non judgmental, talking group for men.

DadsNet offers support and knowledge through a community of dads on practical parenting and fatherhood.

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Postnatal depression in dads and co-parents: 10 things you should know | Life as a parent articles & support | NCT

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Whether it's sleep deprivation, money worries, new responsibilities, or the relationship dynamic shifting, dads also have a lot to take on board. This is a huge life change for both parents. On top of this, dads and co-parents might feel guilty about what their partner is going through, knowing they aren't the ones breastfeeding at 3am or healing from labour and birth.

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A more serious condition: Postpartum Psychosis

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A more serious condition: Postpartum Psychosis

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Understanding Postpartum Psychosis | Rachael Watters | TEDxHieronymusPark

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Information from mind about Postnatal depression and perinatal mental health

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Information from mind about Postnatal depression and perinatal mental health

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Postpartum psychosis is rare but can develop after you give birth. Read about the signs to look out for and the treatments and support available.

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The developmental transition to motherhood: matrescence

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The developmental transition to motherhood: matrescence

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Alexandra Sacks: A new way to think about the transition to motherhood

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When a baby is born, so is a mother -- but the natural (and sometimes unsteady) process of transition to motherhood is often silenced by shame or misdiagnosed as postpartum depression. In this quick, informative talk, reproductive psychiatrist Alexandra Sacks breaks down the emotional tug-of-war of becoming a new mother -- and shares a term that could help describe it: matrescence.

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The importance of new fathers' mental health: The story of a Welsh father

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The importance of new fathers' mental health: The story of a Welsh father

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Why We Need to talk about Dads' Postnatal Depression by Mark Williams

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Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale: The development of the scale - an article by the originators of the tool

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Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale: The development of the scale - an article by the originators of the tool

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Although this is dated it is a very interesting account of how the scale used in practice today was developed

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The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale: How have you been feeling over the last 7 days?

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The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale: How have you been feeling over the last 7 days?

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You may see slightly different formatting in practice but this is the basic information contained within the tool. It can be used by any health professional to assess whether a mother MAY have PND but it should be used alongside clinical judgement. Women can give what they perceive to be 'socially desirable' answers - resulting in 'false negatives' and there is always the possibility of a 'false positives' too, especially if the mother is feeling low on that particular day.

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A range of academic sources to underpin the evidence surrounding Postnatal Depression

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A Powerpoint presentation on Postnatal Depression

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A Powerpoint presentation on Postnatal Depression

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This presentation gives an overview of the condition, treatment and effects on the child. Please see 'References and further reading' for more in depth information on this topic

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A powerpoint presentation on postpartum / puerperal psychosis

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A powerpoint presentation on postpartum / puerperal psychosis

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This presentation provides an overview of the incidence, symptoms, treatment and prognosis for this serious condition

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Health professionals, including Health Visitors screen for postnatal depression, so you are likely to see a screening tool called the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale being used in practice

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Health professionals, including Health Visitors screen for postnatal depression, so you are likely to see a screening tool called the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale being used in practice

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A powerpoint presentation which gives an overview of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, its use and how to support mothers

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A powerpoint presentation which gives an overview of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, its use and how to support mothers

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Mums talking about their experience of Postnatal Depression

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Mums talking about their experience of Postnatal Depression

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Postnatal mental health | Talking about mental health - Episode 13

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Kathryn talks about her experience of Postpartum Psychosis

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Kathryn talks about her experience of Postpartum Psychosis

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Postpartum psychosis | Kathryn's Mental Health Story

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Next time we are together in class there will be a quiz about Post Natal Depression, Postpartum Psychosis and the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale.