Becoming a dad brings joy—but it also comes with unexpected mental health challenges. A large new study reveals that new fathers face a 30 percent increased risk of depression and stress-related disorders as their child approaches their first birthday, highlighting a critical but often overlooked aspect of family health.
Researchers surprised by what they found
Researchers at Sweden’s Karolinska Institute tracked nearly 1.1 million fathers and 1.9 million births between 2003 and 2021. What they found surprised even the experts: during pregnancy and immediately after birth, men were actually more than five times less likely to be diagnosed with psychiatric disorders. However, this protective effect faded within months, and by the time babies neared their first birthday, diagnosis rates for conditions like depression and anxiety had jumped 30 percent above normal levels.
“The delayed increase in depression was unexpected and underscores the need to pay attention to warning signs of mental ill-health in fathers long after the birth of their child,” said senior researcher Dr. Donghao Lu.
The study likely underestimates the problem, since it only captured fathers who sought medical help—many struggling dads may never reach out.
Why new dads struggle with mental health challenges
Lead researcher Jing Zhou explained that fatherhood brings “both positive experiences and a range of new stresses.” While many men cherish bonding with their baby, they also face relationship strain, sleep deprivation, and mounting responsibilities that can take a serious toll.
Part of the problem is systemic. Dr. Khatiya Moon of Northwell Health points out that fathers are largely excluded from routine mental health screenings. While mothers attend six to eight appointments during pregnancy, and infants have multiple checkups, fathers might see their doctor just once—if at all—during this entire period.
What dads can do to protect their mental health
Dr. Moon’s advice is simple but vital: “You can’t support other people if you’re not feeling supported yourself or if you’re not well.” She encourages fathers to seek out support groups—both clinical and community-based—or even start their own. Recognizing that mental health challenges may emerge months after birth is the first step toward getting help when it’s needed most.
There are also mental health resources new parents can use at home to carve out time to reflect and process big feelings amidst the chaos of a new baby in the home. Journaling, meditation, and virtual talk therapy can be deeply supportive strategies for time-pressed new parents.
