The Overlooked Struggles of Fatherhood: Addressing Male Postpartum Depression

My wife gave birth to our twin girls while I was in medical school.

The challenges associated with fatherhood are often overlooked.

Yes, being a mom is incredibly hard.

Trying to be a great dad can feel overwhelming too.

Up to 10% of fathers experience male postpartum depression (mPPD). In some low- and middle-income countries, the rates can be over 20%.

A new study in JAMA Psychiatry reports a group intervention led by community health workers in Pakistan lowered depression scores.

Secondary benefits included:

1. Lower anxiety
2. Lower parental stress
3. Lower intimate partner violence
4. Better health-related quality of life

Importantly, social-emotional development among the toddlers was better compared to the control group.

Bottom line: don’t forget us dads. We want to be great, loving parents too.

Photo Credit: Jack Bell Photography