Today is International Father’s Mental Health Day

June 22, 2026 is International Father's Mental Health Day. Paternal mental health is an important, but until recently often neglected, aspect of a family's overall well-being. As research on paternal mental health increases, there is growing evidence that supporting a father's mental health can improve maternal mental health outcomes, as well as positively impacting a child/children's social, emotional, and behavioral development. Parents who are struggling with their mental health may have a harder time engaging with their child/children, which can negatively impact attachment and bonding. Parents struggling with their mental health may also struggle to maintain their relationship with their partner, as well as to communicate and coparent successfully.

Most people are not aware that dads can experience postpartum depression, called Paternal Postpartum Depression. Per the Cleveland Clinic, approximately 10% of dads experience depression before or shortly after the birth of their child. Symptoms of Paternal Postpartum Depression can present in different ways than Maternal Postpartum Depression.

Below are some common symptoms of Paternal and Maternal Postpartum Depression

Paternal Postpartum Depression

Appearing Angry, Irritable

Feeling Frustrated, Discouraged, Cynical

Losing Interest in work or activities/hobbies

Working long hours

Distancing from family & friends

Low energy, fatigue

Difficulties concentrating

Feeling sad, hopeless

Feeling Overwhelmed

Increased substance use (alcohol/drugs) as a coping mechanism

Maternal Postpartum Depression

Anxiety, Restlessness

Sadness

Irritability

Feeling overwhelmed

Crying

Difficulties concentrating

Appetite problems

Trouble sleeping

Difficulties bonding with baby

Fear that they are not a good mom

Thoughts of harming self or baby

It is essential that we are supporting both parents as they navigate the postpartum period. As a society, we have made great strides in screening and being mindful of maternal mental health, however we have missed the boat on paternal mental health. Consider this - when someone has a baby what is the first question people ask? "How are mom and baby doing?" When attending appointments at the pediatrician, moms are often asked to complete a mood screening tool while dads are typically not. When attending postpartum OB/GYN appointments, moms are asked about their mood, how they are adjusting to baby, and what supports they have in place. Dads are typically not asked any of these questions.

What can we do?

Normalize asking dads how they are adjusting to fatherhood and how they are coping with the change.

Support dads, who are often juggling work and financial responsibilities in addition to adjusting to fatherhood, being mom's support person, and coping with sleep challenges.

Encourage dads to be real about the joys and challenges of this new chapter in their lives.

This is especially true of dads who have experienced pregnancy loss or baby loss. These dads are often asked how mom is doing with no acknowledgement of their own grief. So often, loss dads are treated like a sidekick rather than one of the main characters in their loss story. For these dads, it is essential that we do better. Loss dads often take on the role of the "strong" person or the "fixer," completing practical tasks and supporting the loss mom. Their grief may look different, but they can still benefit from social support and having people check in on them.

Sending love, strength, and support your way,

Ashley

Sources:

https://health.clevelandclinic.org/yes-postpartum-depression-in-men-is-very-real

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/postpartum-depression/symptoms-causes/syc-20376617