Baby Blues Affect New Dads, Too

Father holds infant baby girl over his shoulder, her face illuminated by the sunlight coming from a nearby window

It finally happened. Ready or not, you've reached the peak of ultimate responsibility. Congratulations – you’re a dad! But maybe you don't feel as joyful as you expected, and instead you’re down, stressed or short-tempered. You could be struggling from depression stemming from your newfound role as a father, according to one study.

You’re not alone

Researchers from Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago gathered data from 10,623 men who were surveyed for depression symptoms regularly over a 23-year period. During the study, about a third of the men became fathers, most often in their 20s. The researchers found that, among men who lived in the same home as their child, depression scores spiked 68% during the first five years of fatherhood. Men who didn’t live with their kids, on the other hand, saw no such increase (but they were less happy to begin with). The study was published in the journal Pediatrics.

The reasons for your dark disposition

Up to 10% of fathers suffer from depression, the researchers point out. Experts say the stress, financial worries and plummeting “me time” that accompany a new baby could be to blame. Other research has shown that these factors can take a toll on life satisfaction among dads and moms, cancelling out the joy a new bundle brings.

And the kids suffer, too, when dad is sad. Depressed fathers are more likely to disengage from their children and use harsh parenting tactics, such as spanking and yelling. In turn, that leads to more behavior disorders and stifles learning development in the kids. As parents’ roles have changed and fathers are taking on a bigger role in childcare, that danger grows, so it’s even more important for fathers who are struggling to get help.

How to mend your mood
Remember dad, you've got a lot to be thankful for and should do everything in your power to protect your family. If you and your partner are thriving, you boost the chances of your children thriving, too. So, if depression is in the cards right now, here's how you play the hand you're dealt and take control of your mental health:

More On

7 Stats You May Not Have Known About Men's Health

video

7 Stats You May Not Have Known About Men's Health
November 19th is International Men's Day. Did you know these 7 statistics about men?
Stress Increases Your Risk of Heart Disease

article

Stress Increases Your Risk of Heart Disease
Taking steps to reduce stress can help you live younger.
The 8 Worst Health Mistakes Men Make

slideshow

The 8 Worst Health Mistakes Men Make
As you get older, it’s important to replace bad habits with healthier ones.
What can men do to feel happier, less stressed out and less anxious?

video

What can men do to feel happier, less stressed out and less anxious?
To feel less anxious, it's important for men to have a healthy, balanced lifestyle routine, as well as friendships and interests. In this Ask the Expe...
How Are Doctors Improving Prostate Cancer Treatments?

video

How Are Doctors Improving Prostate Cancer Treatments?
Some advances in prostate cancer treatment include: new screenings and tests, improved surgical techniques (robotic surgery), and more targeted radiat...