Category: <span>Men’s Health</span>

Men's Health Mental Wellness Parenting • • • • • • • • • By Beth Church 0 Comments

When Dads Struggle Too: Understanding Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders in Fathers

Written by: Jessi Beatty, PhD, LP

We are often socialized to think of men as providers of support during the perinatal period, but it’s rarely mentioned that men can experience many of the same difficulties with the transition to parenthood as women. Men are often taught to ‘be strong’, and these subtle and not-so-subtle messages can lead to increased shame, guilt, or embarrassment if they are struggling with becoming a father. Therefore, dads may be less likely to admit when they are struggling or to seek help. 

The Numbers May Surprise You

In fact, around 10% of dads experience postpartum depression and more recent studies have shown that as many as 22% of new dads experience an anxiety disorder. This number often increases significantly when their partner is also experiencing perinatal mood and anxiety disorder (PMAD) or if the father has previously experienced mood difficulties. 

Why Fathers Are Also at Risk

The changes dads go through as they adjust to parenthood are often overlooked. Men experience social and physical changes that impact their mental health a great deal. For instance, shifting schedules can lead to sleep deprivation or changes in circadian rhythms that put men at increased risk for PMAD as well. The increased stress of becoming a parent, lack of social support for new fathers or feeling excluded from mother-infant bonding may also increase the risk for men to experience PMAD. Men often feel they can’t talk about how difficult these changes are, which can lead to further isolation.

Did You Know… Men’s Hormones Change Too!

We often focus on the wild ride women’s hormones take during the perinatal period, but did you know men’s hormones change too. Men experience changes in their hormones during the perinatal period designed to promote parenting behaviors and strengthen the dad’s attachment to the new baby. Research has shown that testosterone decreases, and estrogen, cortisol, vasopressin, and prolactin increase during the perinatal period to prepare dads for the transition to parenthood.  Decreases in testosterone have been linked to depression symptoms in men, and if men have lower than expected levels of estrogen, vasopressin, or prolactin it can result in more difficulty bonding. 

Symptoms You Shouldn’t Ignore

Dads who are struggling with significant changes in their mood are not to blame and help is available. Consider reaching out for help if you are experiencing:

  • increased tiredness, headaches and pain
  • irritability, sadness, anxiety and/or anger
  • loss of interest in activities
  • changes in appetite
  • feelings of being overwhelmed, out of control and unable to cope
  • a tendency to take increased risks
  • changes to sleep patterns, especially a lack of sleep
  • feelings of isolation and disconnection from partner, friends or family
  • loss of libido
  • increased hours of work as a part of the withdrawal from family
  • increased use of drugs or alcohol instead of seeking treatment for PMAD

Have No Fear, Help is Here

The good news is that help is available for new dads experiencing any of the difficulties described. What works best is different for everyone, but it’s generally recommended to increase social support, find ways to improve instrumental support to keep your own self-care intact, seek support groups of other dads in the transition to fatherhood, and work with a counselor or therapist who understands perinatal mental health disorders. 

The transition to parenthood forces the old patterns and routines to change, but figuring out ways to stay connected and take care of yourself is so worth it and important. If that transition feels especially hard there are several research backed treatments that can help improve your mood, learn the skills to cope more effectively during this transition, and build the relationship with your child(ren) and partner that you want and deserve.

Scarff JR. Postpartum Depression in Men. Innovations in Clinical Neuroscience. 2019 May 1;16(5-6):11-14. PMID: 31440396; PMCID: PMC6659987.

Kim P, Swain JE. Sad dads: paternal postpartum depression. Psychiatry (Edgmont). 2007 Feb;4(2):35-47. PMID: 20805898; PMCID: PMC2922346.

 

Resources for Fathers:

Postpartum Support International: https://postpartum.net/get-help/help-for-dads/

International Father’s Mental Health Day June 2026 (have not updated website from 2025 as of 4/13/26 but still good videos and information): https://www.postpartum.net/join-us/ifmhd/

https://www.ifmhd.org/resources-and-information

Marce of North America: https://marcenortham.com/fathers-mental-health-resources

City Dads Group (there is a Detroit chapter): https://citydadsgroup.com/

(based in the UK but helpful books and other articles for more information) https://andrewmayers.uk/fathers-mental-health

https://www.pinerest.org/media/Understanding-PMAD.pdf

For LGBTQIA+ Fathers: 

Resources for your partner (focused on motherhood):

Pine Rest Mother and Baby Day Program: https://www.pinerest.org/day-programs/mother-baby-program/

University of Michigan Women and Infants Mental Health Program: https://medicine.umich.edu/dept/psychiatry/programs/women-infants-mental-health

https://zerotothrive.org/clinical-services/perinatal-psychiatry-clinic/

Anxiety Depression Individual Treatment Men's Health Relationships Therapy By Beth Church 0 Comments

Men’s Health: Strength & Courage in Pursuit of Mental Wellness

Written by: Dr. Darren Jones, PhD, LP
Edited by: Dr. Julie Braciszewski, PhD, LP

Currently, men are experiencing mental health distress at alarmingly high rates. This distress may look different than stereotypical anxiety or depression, but causes just as much disruption in life. Research tells us that men tend to focus distress outward, engaging in externalizing behaviors such as initiating more relationship conflict, throwing themselves into work, using alcohol or other substances, and/or increasing time spent on ‘escape’ type activities such as video games.  Despite how disruptive these behaviors might be to their lives, men are far less likely than others to seek help. One of the main reasons is due to the stigma associated with seeking mental health services. Though there has been notable progress in reducing the stigma of seeking mental health services in recent years, there is still much work to be done.

Where Does Stigma Come From?

On average boys receive less social emotional coaching as compared to girls. Throughout childhood, adolescence, and into manhood, men receive messages that often inhibit and even punish genuine emotional expression and help seeking. This creates significant barriers to acknowledging distress and seeking effective help. In fact, we know men are currently suffering from high rates of anxiety and depression. In a 2021 survey, 82% of U.S. men ages 25-45 reported moderate to severe feelings of stress, 73% reported symptoms of anxiety, and over 61% reported symptoms of depression. Given that the last several years have increased most individual’s stress, and mental health distress is at an all time high, we must battle the stereotypes that keep men from getting effective care.

A research article published earlier this year in the American Journal of Men’s Health addresses this important topic. The authors reviewed published research from the past decade on the stigma surrounding men’s mental health. They reported that a consistent finding was that men frequently internalize a stereotyped male identity that assumes that being a man means being strong, self-reliant, and healthy. Internalizing means that men often self-identify with and judge themselves against these ‘standards’. These same stereotypes view men with mental health issues as being weak, inadequate, and unmanly. These stereotypes contribute to stigma that creates a barrier for men to access and engage in mental health treatment.

The good news is that all men can play a valuable role in reducing this stigma. The authors describe three promising strategies to pursue.

Peer Support Breaks Stereotypes

First, the role of peer support is vital. Men who experience mental health issues can serve as important sources of support for other men who need services. Setting up formal peer support networks are one way that organizations and communities can encourage and facilitate these connections. However, on a more personal level, informing your friends, dad, uncles, neighbors and coworkers that you are experiencing mental health distress and are seeking out mental health support can also facilitate peer support. Sharing your experiences draws these peer support networks together and more men in your life are likely to seek the support they deserve.

Mental Health Literacy Among Men

Second, mental health literacy can be improved by creating opportunities for men to have interactions with mental health professionals that include positive messaging. Consider inviting a mental health professional to deliver a presentation to your company, church, or social group. If you have engaged in mental health support, share your knowledge of the process and services.

Help Seeking is Strong and Courageous

Third, when men seek help for mental health issues we should frame that behavior as strength- based and courageous. Let your sons, brothers, friends, and co-workers know that you support them and view their seeking help as a positive and laudatory action.

Men may be socialized to inhibit emotional expression and may be taught fewer or less varied coping skills while growing up. But this doesn’t have to get in the way of obtaining the services and support they need to experience happiness, security, and growth. With rates of mental health distress so high currently, all men have an important opportunity to reduce stigma and play a positive role in helping more people access the care that they need.