Dads get postpartum depression, too: 1 in 10 struggle, but help exists

As Men’s Mental Health Month comes to an end, it's important to recognize a hidden mental illness among many fathers.

One in 10 men suffer from postpartum depression during pregnancy and the year following birth, according to Postpartum Support International.

Fifty percent of fathers suffer from postpartum mental health issues when their partner is suffering from or struggling with mental health postpartum.

According to Postpartum Support International, about 800,000 people a year experience postpartum mental health effects. Of those, 25% get treated.

Forms of postpartum mental health disorders

Postpartum mental health disorders include postpartum depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, bipolar disorder and psychosis.

Reportedly, 18% of fathers develop a clinically significant anxiety disorder.

They can include generalized anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder, occurring during their partner's pregnancy or the first year postpartum.

There is help available. These disorders are treatable and normal, according to Postpartum Support International.

"Societal norms dictate that men should be supportive and strong, which makes fathers even less likely to seek support,” said Daniel Singley, founder of International Fathers' Mental Health Day and Postpartum Support International Advisory board member. "Dads usually don't want to admit they're struggling; they feel like they are failing their partners and their children and losing themselves in the process."

Symptoms of postpartum mental health disorders

Signs that a new father is struggling include irritation, anger, frustration and withdrawing from relationships.

"We are finding that many mental health professionals are not connecting the behaviors commonly displayed by men experiencing perinatal mental health disorders with the fact that the father may be depressed or have anxiety, Singley said. "We are working to change that. Nobody should have to suffer, and these conditions are common and treatable."

Connect with qualified professionals at PSI's Perinatal Mental Health Provider Directory, or join one of it's 50+ free virtual support groups.

For more information, call the PSI Helpline at 800-944-4773 (English and Spanish), text "help" to 800-944-4773 (English) or 971-203-7773 (Spanish), visit postpartum.net, or download the Connect by PSI app.

This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Postpartum depression for dads: Symptoms, treatment & how to find help