• Skip to main content
  • Skip to secondary menu
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Because dads don’t always think like moms™

  • Dad
    • Celebrities
    • Gay Dads
    • Sex
    • Single Dads
  • Pregnancy
    • Labor or Delivery
    • Pregnant Wife
  • Baby
    • Baby Naming
    • Feeding
    • Sleep
    • Toilet Training
  • Kids
  • Teens
  • Activities
    • Local
    • By Age
    • Movie Reviews
    • Celebrations
  • Toys
    • We Recommend
    • Toys
  • Coaching for Dads
  • Great Dad Talks Podcast

Even fathers get the blues

October 16, 2008 by Alex Bellamy Leave a Comment

An expectant father can run himself ragged by trying to be a perfect partner for his pregnant wife, because he knows that everything will be fine once the baby is born, right?

That is not every dad’s experience. A report on CNN.com raises awareness about the fact that new mothers are not the only ones who may suffer from postnatal depression – fathers may be at risk, too.

Will Courtenay, a leading expert on postnatal depression, told the news provider that although all new dads suffer from a certain level of worry and uncertainty, some have stronger reactions.

"This comes as quite a shock to men who are expecting this wonderful time of baby bliss with the new baby and a time of bonding," he explained.

Courtenay suggested that sleep deprivation can play a role in depression, as can a change in hormones as new dads’ levels of testosterone diminish, while estrogen rises.

Money and relationship problems may also put pressure on a man’s mental health, while a sick or colicky baby does not help either.

Courtney’s parenting advice for men suggests they seek help immediately if they suspect they are suffering from depression, while those who have a history of this type of illness may want to have counseling before the baby is even born.

Research published in Pediatrics in 2006 suggests that around 10 percent of dads suffer from postpartum depression.
ADNFCR-1662-ID-18827698-ADNFCR

Filed Under: Dad

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Primary Sidebar

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
SIGN-UP TODAY to receive the only baby newsletter written by dads, for dads. Act now and receive a free copy of the popular GreatDad E-Book!
My baby's due date or birthday :
Profile picture
Privacy Policy and Terms
Baby Name Finder!

what's in a name

  • Show names for:
  • Boys
  • Girls
  • Either
Finding a name you can both agree on isn't always easy. Use our simple name generator to get started.
First Letter
Last Letter
Number of Letters
Origin
Find a name!

More to See

family under a cardboard

Over 40? The Five Types of Insurance You Should Have

October 22, 2022 By Contributing Authors

A Dad’s Guide to Bonding with Your Kids Through Computer Games

May 5, 2022 By Contributing Authors

Tags

529 Plan budgeting for teens college savings compromise dad dads Father's Day fatherhood friendship in-laws love marriage Movie Review parenting advice parenting skills prepaid cards ritual Sundays travel vacation

Footer

Hi mom!

Would you like to share this site with your husband or a friend?

Just enter his email address and your name below and we'll let him know all about GreatDad.com.

His email address
Your Name

Recent

  • Special Clarity session – $25
  • Over 40? The Five Types of Insurance You Should Have
  • A Dad’s Guide to Bonding with Your Kids Through Computer Games
  • 5 Ways to Prepare Your Child for a Surgical Procedure
  • How to get kids excited about dental hygiene

Search

Tags

529 Plan budgeting for teens college savings compromise dad dads Father's Day fatherhood friendship in-laws love marriage Movie Review parenting advice parenting skills prepaid cards ritual Sundays travel vacation

Copyright © 2023 . GreatDad