- About 1 in 10 new fathers experience depression or anxiety after a baby arrives. You're not weak, and you're not alone.
- In dads it often looks like irritability, anger, withdrawing, working all the time, or drinking more, rather than sadness.
- Sleep, food, movement, and one other person to talk to are your basic maintenance.
What it can look like in dads
- Short temper, anger, or frustration that's out of character.
- Pulling away from your partner or the baby, or staying late at work to avoid home.
- Drinking more, or numbing out with your phone or games.
- Feeling like you're failing, or like the baby would be better off without you.
- Trouble sleeping even when you have the chance, or physical symptoms like headaches and stomach trouble.
Basic maintenance
- Protect one long sleep stretch for yourself too, using the night shift plan.
- Eat real meals. Not just whatever's left.
- Get outside for 15 minutes a day. Take the baby in the stroller and you both win.
- Talk to one other dad or friend who'll be honest with you.
Getting help
Talk to your own doctor. Postpartum Support International has support specifically for dads, including free online groups: postpartum.net or 1-800-944-4773. If you ever have thoughts of hurting yourself or anyone else, call or text 988 right away.