Learn the signs, understand what’s happening, and find support.
Postpartum depression can affect partners, too.
What the Research Shows
Partner postpartum depression is more common—and more consequential—than many people realize. Early recognition can make a meaningful difference.
14.3% of Fathers
Percentage of fathers screened positive for postpartum depression within 3 to 6 months postpartum.
(Wainwright et al., 2023)
Beyond Six Months
Partner postpartum depression persists beyond 6 months if untreated, making early identification critical.
(Kubo et al., 2025)
Infant Impact
Partner postpartum depression is associated with significantly poorer infant cognitive development
(Rogers et al., 2023)
Knowing what to look for is an important first step. Early recognition can help partners and families find support sooner.
Know the Signs
Partner postpartum depression may not always look like sadness. Changes in mood, behavior, sleep, and connection can all be signs that something more is going on.
IRRITABILITY & ANGER
Increased frustration, short temper, or anger that feels harder to control.
ALCOHOL/SUBSTANCE ABUSE
Using alcohol or substances more often as a way to cope.
WITHDRAWAL
Pulling away from a partner, family, friends, or the new baby.
LOSS OF INTEREST
Less interest in activities, relationships, or things once enjoyed.
FEELING TRAPPED
Feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or unable to cope with new demands.
ANXIETY OR RESTLESSNESS
Persistent worry, tension, or difficulty relaxing.
SLEEP CHANGES
Trouble sleeping, restless sleep, or sleeping much more than usual.
DIFFICULTY CONNECTING
Feeling emotionally distant from the baby, partner, or family.
Noticing one of these signs doesn’t necessarily mean someone has postpartum depression. But when changes persist, worsen, or begin to interfere with daily life, it may be time to reach out for support.
A real dad shares what postnatal depression looked like for him and his family.
Take the Self-Check
Screening
How are you doing?
The transition to parenthood can bring significant emotional and mental health changes. The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) is a brief screening tool that can help identify symptoms that may warrant further evaluation.
Your responses can help you reflect on how you’ve been feeling and whether it may be helpful to talk with a healthcare professional.
This screening is not a diagnosis. A positive screen means additional evaluation may be appropriate. If symptoms are persistent, worsening, or interfering with daily life, please reach out to a qualified healthcare professional.
Support
You don’t have to figure this out alone.
Partner postpartum depression is treatable. Reaching out for support can be an important step toward feeling more like yourself and reconnecting with the people who matter most.
Support may include talking with a healthcare provider, counseling or therapy, peer support, and trusted family or friends. If something doesn’t feel right, it’s okay to ask for help.
Need support now?
Explore trusted resources and find the next step that feels right for you
Trusted Resources
Explore practical, evidence-based information and tools for partners and families.
An overview of postpartum depression, including common symptoms, risk factors, and treatment options.
Information about the emotional and mental health challenges fathers and partners may experience after a new baby.
OASH practical guidance for recognizing concerns and supporting a partner during the postpartum period.
Resources from Postpartum Support International created specifically for fathers and partners.
About
Partners can experience postpartum depression, too—and it often goes unrecognized.
The transition to parenthood can bring joy, love, exhaustion, uncertainty, and significant emotional change. While postpartum depression is most often associated with mothers, partners can also experience symptoms such as sadness, irritability, anxiety, withdrawal, changes in sleep, loss of interest, or difficulty connecting with their family.
This website was created to help partners better understand postpartum depression, recognize when something may be wrong, and know where to turn for support.
You’ll find straightforward information about symptoms, risk factors, treatment options, and available resources—all in one place, without judgment.
About the Project
This website was developed as part of a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) scholarly project focused on increasing awareness and understanding of postpartum depression in partners.
The goal of the project is to provide accessible, evidence-informed education that may help partners, families, and healthcare professionals recognize symptoms earlier and encourage appropriate support and treatment.
This website is intended for education and awareness and does not replace evaluation, diagnosis, or treatment by a qualified healthcare professional.
