Depression in Dads and Non-Birthing Partners

At Thrive Postpartum Couples & Family Therapy, we are here to support you on your journey towards emotional well-being, thriving fatherhood, and healthy family relationships.

Depression in Dads

Inner Harmony 〰️ Emotional Freedom 〰️ Self-Acceptance 〰️ Authentic Connection 〰️ Clarity of Mind 〰️ Emotional resilience 〰️ Wholeness

〰️

Inner Harmony 〰️ Emotional Freedom 〰️ Self-Acceptance 〰️ Authentic Connection 〰️ Clarity of Mind 〰️ Emotional resilience 〰️ Wholeness 〰️

Supporting All Through The Transition To Parenthood

At Thrive Postpartum, Couples & Family Therapy, we support dads, non-birthing partners, and queer parents who may be experiencing emotional struggles after the birth of a baby. Whether you're feeling anxious, down, disconnected, or overwhelmed, your mental health matters—and your role in your child’s life is just as important. You don’t have to navigate this alone.

Supporting Dads and Non-Birthing Partners Through the Transition to Parenthood
Becoming a parent is a profound life transition—often filled with joy, new responsibilities, and unexpected emotional challenges. While much of the focus is placed on the birthing parent, it’s important to recognize that dads, non-birthing partners, and queer parents can also experience mental health struggles during the prenatal and postpartum period.

Prenatal and postpartum depression in non-birthing partners is real, valid, and deserves compassionate support and effective care. At Thrive, we understand the unique emotional needs of non-birthing partners during this transformative time. Our therapists offer a safe and supportive space to process your experience, reduce distress, and feel more grounded in your role as a parent.

Our goal is to equip non-birthing partners, including dads and parents of all identities, with practical tools to manage and regulate their emotions. Through support and guidance, we aim to help each parent show up as their best self—for their own well-being, their partner, and their child.

Therapy for dads

“Our goal is to equip dads with valuable techniques and strategies that enable them to effectively manage and regulate their emotions. By providing support and guidance, we aim to help fathers show up as their best selves for their own well-being, their partners, and their children.”

Depression in dads

The Impact of Postpartum Depression and Anxiety in Non-Birthing Partners

An estimated 8–10% of fathers experience postpartum depression, and up to 18% may develop a clinically significant anxiety disorder—such as generalized anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)—during pregnancy or within the first year after a child’s birth. These experiences are valid and increasingly recognized as critical components of perinatal mental health.

Sources: Paulson & Bazemore, 2010; Cameron et al., 2016; American Academy of Pediatrics, 2019

Why Are Some Non-Birthing Partners More Vulnerable to Postpartum Depression?
Factors that may increase risk include:

  • Personal or family history of mental health conditions

  • Relationship strain or conflict

  • Lack of emotional or practical support

  • Financial or work-related stress

  • Sleep deprivation and fatigue

  • Unmet or unrealistic expectations around parenthood

  • History of trauma or adverse childhood experiences

  • Health issues or complications during the pregnancy or birth

Awareness and early support can play a powerful role in promoting mental wellness and strengthening the co-parenting relationship.

Common Signs and Symptoms of Paternal Postpartum Depression:

  • Irritability, anger, or emotional numbness

  • Withdrawing from family or the baby

  • Persistent sadness or feeling overwhelmed

  • Trouble sleeping or feeling constantly tired

  • Increased substance use

  • Anxiety or panic

  • Feeling disconnected or like a failure as a parent

It’s important to remember that postpartum depression in non-birthing partners doesn’t just affect the individual—it can impact the entire family system. Recognizing and addressing these symptoms is a vital step toward supporting the emotional health of the parent, their partner, and their child.

You Matter, Too—Support for Non-Birthing Parents
You are not alone in what you’re experiencing.

Embrace Your Role As A Thriving Parent

WE ARE HERE TO HELP

You are not alone in your experience of paternal postpartum depression.

Contact us today to schedule an appointment or learn more about our specialized support for non-birthing parents. We're here to help you navigate this transformative time and feel more grounded, supported, and connected in your role as a parent.

Postpartum Support International Certification

To help promote high-quality care, our specialists are certified by Postpartum Support International, a leading organization that researches and advocates for women’s mental health and therapeutic intervention.

Additional Certifications