Understanding Paternal Postpartum Depression & Anxiety: A Guide from Sunrise Counseling Dallas

Paternal Postpartum Mental Health: What Every Parent Should Know

When we hear the words “postpartum depression” or “postpartum anxiety,” we often think of mothers. But research and clinical experience are increasingly recognizing that fathers can also experience emotional and psychological challenges after the birth of a child. At Sunrise Counseling in Dallas, we want to shed light on this important issue and provide support for new dads experiencing paternal postpartum depression (PPD) or anxiety (PPA).

What Is Paternal Postpartum Depression and Anxiety?

Paternal postpartum depression and anxiety refer to emotional and mental health challenges that some fathers experience in the weeks and months following the birth of a child.

While it’s normal for all parents to feel overwhelmed, about 1 in 10 dads experience clinical levels of postpartum depression, and even more report symptoms of anxiety, irritability, and emotional distress.

Common Signs of Paternal Postpartum Depression and Anxiety

Many dads suffer in silence, unsure of what they’re experiencing or how to describe it. Here are some common signs:

Emotional Symptoms:

  • Persistent sadness or hopelessness

  • Feeling disconnected from the baby or partner

  • Increased irritability or anger

  • Loss of interest in things once enjoyed

Physical & Behavioral Symptoms:

  • Changes in appetite or sleep (insomnia or excessive sleep)

  • Fatigue or lack of energy

  • Avoidance of family activities

  • Use of substances to cope (alcohol, drugs)

Anxiety-Specific Symptoms:

  • Excessive worry about the baby’s safety or future

  • Racing thoughts or panic attacks

  • Feeling out of control

  • Fear of being an inadequate parent

If you’re noticing these signs in yourself or a loved one, it’s important to know: you’re not alone, and help is available.

Why Does This Happen to Fathers?

New fathers often face a perfect storm of stressors:

  • Financial pressure to provide for the family

  • Lack of sleep and routine

  • Major changes in relationship dynamics

  • A feeling of being “left out” or unsure of their role

  • Unresolved trauma or history of mental health challenges

Unlike maternal mental health, which is now more widely acknowledged, paternal mental health often goes unnoticed or unspoken, leaving dads to internalize their struggles.

Photo by Brett Jordan on Unsplash

How to Support a Dad Who Might Be Struggling

If you suspect someone you love is dealing with paternal PPD or anxiety, here are a few ways to help:

1. Open the Conversation Gently

Approach with compassion, not criticism. Try something like:

“You’ve had so much on your plate lately. I just want to check in—how are you really doing?”

2. Normalize Their Experience

Reassure them that mental health challenges in new dads are common, valid, and treatable.

3. Encourage Connection

Isolation can worsen symptoms. Encourage small steps: a walk with a friend, joining a dads’ group, or speaking with a therapist.

4. Offer Practical Support

Dads may feel they can’t step away. Offer to babysit, help with errands, or even help them schedule a therapy appointment.

When and How to Seek Help in Dallas

If you or someone you love is showing persistent symptoms of paternal postpartum depression or anxiety, professional help can make a life-changing difference.

At Sunrise Counseling in Dallas, we specialize in supporting parents at all stages—including fathers navigating the emotional rollercoaster of new parenthood.

Our Dallas Counseling Services Include:

  • Individual therapy for fathers

  • Couples counseling to strengthen family communication

  • Compassionate, judgment-free care tailored to your experience

You Don’t Have to Go Through This Alone

Paternal postpartum mental health challenges are real, but so is recovery. You deserve support, understanding, and tools that help you feel like yourself again.

If you’re in Dallas and need someone to talk to, Sunrise Counseling is here for you.

1.    Contact Sunrise Counseling 

2.    Meet with one of our caring therapists

Mental Health Services at Sunrise Counseling in Dallas, TX 

Sunrise Counseling offers a variety of mental health services in our Dallas TX-based therapy office and offers telehealth therapy to those residing in Texas and Colorado. Mental health services we provide at Sunrise Counseling include:

Gayla Sahl