As with women men can also experience depression at any time, including before a baby is born. Fathers can experience the same or similar symptoms as mothers prior to baby being born, during the postpartum period, and even a year after that.

Male postpartum depression can manifest in many ways and sometimes different ways than women. Here are some common, identifiable symptoms to look for in any new dad.

• Anger

• Irritability

• Risk-taking behaviors including substance and alcohol use

• Detachment from the family

• Easily stressed

• Physical symptoms including headaches and stomachaches

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When identifying postpartum in men here are few other differences to note between male postpartum depression and female postpartum depression:

• 1 in 10 men experience postpartum depression compared to 1 in 7 women

• Women usually see peak symptoms around months two to three while men usually peak later in the first year

• Men tend to show more anger and risk-taking behaviors while women tend to display crying, hopelessness, loss of interest and guilt​

FOR EMERGENCIES

If you are having thoughts of harming yourself or your baby please get help immediately. Inform your partner or loved ones, call 911 or the local emergency lines. 

You can call 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

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Please click the links below for more resources available to you:

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