At Keta Medical Center, we know that parenthood is transformative, but not always in the ways we expect. While much attention is rightly paid to maternal mental health, fathers often find themselves overlooked. The truth is, postpartum depression doesn’t discriminate by gender. It affects men too, and when it does, the entire family feels the impact.
New Fathers’ Silent Struggle
Postpartum depression in dads is more common than many realize. Roughly 8 to 13% of fathers experience postpartum depression during the first year after their child’s birth. That number can climb to 50 percent when their partner is also affected. Despite this, very few fathers are ever screened, and even fewer seek treatment. One recent pilot study by the University of Illinois, Chicago, found that 30% of screened fathers showed signs of depression, a rate much higher than expected.
The reasons for postpartum depression in fathers are multifaceted: Exhaustion and sleep deprivation, financial pressures, relationship stress, and a perceived loss of identity or connection with their partner and child. Research has even shown that men undergo hormonal shifts during their partner’s pregnancy and after childbirth, which can influence mood and emotional resilience.
Yet, societal norms often cast men as “the rock,” the one who stays strong. That expectation makes it even harder to speak up and keeps many from even acknowledging their pain to themselves. “A lot of dads are stressed. They’re scared. They’re struggling. But no one is asking them about it” said Dr. Sam Wainwright, lead author of the study.
What Paternal Postpartum Depression Looks Like
Men often experience postpartum depression differently than women, with symptoms that are easier to miss. While sadness and hopelessness can occur, many dads instead report irritability, restlessness, difficulty concentrating, or emotional withdrawal. Others might increase their work hours, distance themselves from their partner, or turn to alcohol and substances to cope. The pressure to provide, coupled with the loss of autonomy and sleep, can leave fathers feeling disconnected, inadequate, and lonely.
Why It’s So Often Missed
The healthcare system isn’t usually equipped to spot paternal depression. Unlike mothers, new fathers aren’t routinely screened for mental health concerns during or after a partner’s pregnancy. In fact, many men only attend doctor visits for their child or partner and rarely have a space to speak about their own well-being.
Even when signs are visible, they’re often misread or dismissed as stress or personality-related. That’s why proper screening is so important. One commonly used tool, the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, has been adapted and validated to detect symptoms in fathers, but it’s not yet widely used in routine care.
The Risks of Ignoring PPD in Men
The consequences of untreated paternal postpartum depression affect the whole family. Children of depressed fathers are more likely to develop behavioral and emotional difficulties. Relationships suffer. And maternal mental health outcomes worsen when a partner is also depressed, making it harder for both parents to cope.
Early identification and support for fathers is not just beneficial, it is critical. Healthy dads are better equipped to support their partners and connect with their children, which benefits the entire family system.
A New Avenue for Hope
Traditional antidepressants and therapy are often the first line of treatment. But for some fathers, these approaches can take weeks or even months to provide relief, if they help at all. That’s where ketamine therapy can help. For dads experiencing postpartum depression, especially those not finding relief through traditional methods, ketamine treatment is emerging as a safe, fast-acting, and effective option.
For fathers who haven’t found relief through traditional therapies, ketamine treatment is emerging as a promising option. Research shows that ketamine works differently than standard antidepressants, acting on the brain’s glutamate system to produce rapid improvements in mood. At Keta Medical Center, we offer physician-led ketamine therapy in a safe, clinical setting for parents struggling with treatment-resistant depression.
Perinatal Health is a Family Issue
Perinatal mental health isn’t just a women’s issue. It is a family issue. When we include dads in the conversation, screen them for symptoms, and offer them real support, we create healthier homes and better outcomes for everyone involved.
If you or someone you love is struggling with depression after becoming a parent, you’re not alone. Reach out for support! At Keta Medical Center, we offer safe ketamine therapy in a clinical setting that’s covered by insurance.
Schedule a free consultation today.
