Can men get postnatal depression?

Updated February 2025 | 5 min read
Expert contributor Thomas Mulvaney, psychologist, Australasian Director Young Men’s Health, Movember
Words by Trudie McConnochie

Although the term postnatal depression is commonly reserved for mothers, experts agree many fathers can also experience significant mood changes related to becoming a parent.

The terms perinatal and postnatal depression are commonly associated with new mums, but men can also struggle with their mental health and wellbeing during pregnancy and after their baby arrives – and many of them don’t get the support they need.

Around one in 10 men experience depression when they become fathers, but that number is likely to be much higher as the condition is massively under-reported, says psychologist Thomas Mulvaney, Movember’s Australasian Director of Young Men’s Health.

Sometimes called paternal postnatal depression (PPD), the main difference between postnatal depression in men and women is that for men it tends to manifest three to six months after the baby’s arrival, he says. By contrast, postnatal depression in women tends to appear in the first few weeks and months after birth. The signs and symptoms in men and women can vary, too.

For Bruce Hasslett, 34, the first few weeks of fatherhood were “okay” as he felt “preconditioned to think it’s going to be tough”. Becoming a father didn’t seem real until he was handed his son in the birthing suite.

“I didn’t feel connected to the idea of my son when my wife was pregnant – it was all very theoretical for me,” he explains. “Then all of a sudden, there was a little person looking up at me. The elation and the pressure weren’t real until that moment. I was worried about being able to handle being a dad and being responsible for someone else.”

But over the following months he found it increasingly challenging.

“It’s just so hard,” he says. “I remember thinking, ‘When does it get easier?’ No-one can tell you that.”

Causes and risk factors of depression in new dads

Bruce isn’t alone in experiencing these feelings after becoming a new dad. A 2019 study by Movember across Australia, the UK, Canada and the US found 70% of men experienced higher stress levels in the first year of becoming a father, and an additional 23% reported feelings of isolation.

While there isn’t enough data to indicate whether prevalence of postnatal depression in men is increasing, Thomas says modern dads are under greater pressure than previous generations.

“Right now, we’re dealing with significant cost-of-living pressures. There’s also the challenge of the home-work blend – while workplaces are more flexible, it often means work is bleeding into home life,” he says.

On top of this, he adds, we’re constantly exposed to broader global stressors like conflicts and disasters through social media, so it’s likely that the baseline levels of stress men are experiencing today are much higher than a decade ago – increasing the risk of postnatal depression.

A 2024 review of 10 studies found the most significant factor in postnatal depression in men was stress around their role in the family. For men with a partner also experiencing depression, there’s a 2.5 times greater chance of developing depression at six weeks after the baby’s arrival, a 2022 review found.

Men who have experienced pregnancy loss or the death of a child often face unique and profound emotional challenges that require additional mental health support, Thomas explains.

"Grief and loss in these circumstances can be overwhelming and are significant risk factors for depression. The emotional toll of such an experience is often compounded by societal expectations that discourage men from expressing vulnerability, leaving many to struggle in silence,” he says.

“Providing targeted support and creating safe spaces for men to process these feelings is crucial to their mental health and wellbeing."

Signs of male postnatal depression

According to Thomas, alongside other signs of depression, signs of postnatal depression in men include:

• feeling sad, low, flat, numb or overwhelmed
• being short-tempered, irritable or angry
• brain fog and difficulty making decisions
• experiencing low self-esteem, isolation or loneliness
• sleep difficulties
• loss of libido
• withdrawing from social activities or loved ones
• avoiding caring for the baby.
  

Thomas adds that some might start taking on extra work as a way of coping, to avoid the family situation or their home life.

An increased use of alcohol and drugs can also be a sign, as this is how some new dads try to cope with their feelings. For support in developing a healthier relationship with alcohol, try the Daybreak app  – an online behavioural change program with 24/7 digital and community support.

Lack of support for men

Postnatal depression can be more complex in men than women, and a lack of targeted services and support can make the problem worse.

“Men are often excluded from specialist support services, and what that means is that it can go untreated for longer periods of time and become increasingly complex,” he says. “That complexity means it’s harder to unwind, harder to treat and usually longer to resolve.”

Men are also less likely to seek help, he adds, and can find it harder than women to open up about how they’re feeling – especially to their partners.

"There’s a stigma that their partner has gone through more, having carried and given birth to the child and often taking on the majority of maternal responsibilities,” he says. “This can create a sense that men need to suppress their struggles, believing they shouldn’t add to the burden of someone who’s already been through so much."

This was the case for Bruce, who admits he kept his feelings to himself as he felt that he shouldn’t complain or show weakness.

“I didn’t talk to my mates because I felt like I couldn’t talk about my issues. I just needed to get through this. I felt I had to be strong for mum and baby,” he says.

How to support a new dad

Getting support is a crucial part of managing postnatal depression in men and women. Here are Thomas’ tips for supporting a new dad or dad-to-be who is struggling with their mental health and wellbeing.

Open the lines of communication

“Start with small, meaningful conversations,” Thomas advises. “Instead of rushing in to fix things, simply listen. Acknowledge how they’re feeling and remind them that their struggles are valid. It’s not about having all the answers – it’s about creating a space where they feel safe opening up.”

Movember has a free online tool called Movember Conversations to help you navigate conversations with men who might be struggling. Some dads may also find SMS4DADS beneficial. This free, text-based support network combines a mixture of parenting advice with regular check-ins about mood and stress levels. If a dad indicates he isn’t coping well and doesn't have someone to talk to, a health professional will get in touch to offer support.

Encourage them to take care of themselves

Staying active, eating a healthy diet, doing enjoyable activities, spending time with friends and getting as much sleep as possible are all good for men’s mental health. “These things are important aids during any major life transition. But for men, this can really help them process mental health difficulties too,” says Thomas.

Point them towards mental health services and support networks

Speaking to your regular GP is a good first port of call, but eligible HCF members can also access GP2U, an online video GP service. For support, HCF’s range of online mental health programs can help, including the evidence-based online treatment program This Way Up^*. This evidence-based online treatment program uses cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) to help treat postnatal depression (among other conditions) and was designed by experienced psychiatrists and clinical psychologists. Eligible members can also sign up for a free HealthyMinds Check-in^{^} from PSYCH2U.

Additional tips are also available on our Navigating Parenthood podcast series.

Need help right now?

• PANDA (Perinatal Anxiety and Depression Australia) on 1300 726 306 or visit the Support for Dads page.
• Beyond Blue also offers resources on male postnatal depression, including a screening questionnaire for fathers. Contact them on 1300 224 636.
• Gidget Foundation has a range of support services for new dads. Contact them on 1300 851 758.
• Dadbooster is a new evidence-based, online program for dads about how to best reduce moderate to severe symptoms of depression.
• MensLine Australia on 1300 78 99 78.
• Lifeline on 13 11 14.
  

Take charge of your mental wellbeing

Improve the way you feel with a range of online cognitive behaviour therapy courses through This Way Up^*, a not-for-profit online hub developed by experienced psychiatrists and clinical psychologists. They'll help you understand and improve mental health challenges like stress, insomnia, worry, anxiety and depression. They also have a dedicated program for postnatal depression in men. The programs are available free of charge when prescribed by a clinician. Your provider can register with This Way Up and refer you to an appropriate online program under their supervision.