Symptoms of postnatal depression in dads

A father may feel numb, hopeless, guilty or disconnected from the baby, partner or usual activities. He may avoid family time, work excessively, become unusually irritable, use alcohol or drugs to cope, or experience changes in sleep, appetite and sex drive. Anxiety can show up as constant checking, racing thoughts or fear that something bad will happen.

These experiences are health symptoms, not a sign of weak character or poor parenting. Sleep loss, relationship strain, financial pressure, a difficult birth and a partner’s mental-health needs can all add stress, but a cause is not required before seeking help.

Tell a trusted person what has changed and arrange an appointment with a doctor, midwife or mental-health professional. Describe mood, sleep, anger, substance use and thoughts of self-harm clearly. Practical help with feeds, rest, meals and household tasks can make it easier to accept care. Perinatal mental-health support can include talking therapy, clinical assessment and other treatment matched to the person.

Get urgent help if there are thoughts of suicide, harming the baby or someone else, severe confusion, hearing or seeing things others do not, or loss of control. Stay with the person, reduce access to anything that could cause harm, and contact local emergency services or a crisis service. Do not wait for symptoms to disappear.

Could these changes be postnatal depression or anxiety? What support is available for fathers? How can treatment fit around caring for a baby? What should my partner or family watch for?