Postpartum Mental Health is a Men’s Issue
Whether you are a dad trying to support a partner or you think you may be experiencing a perinatal mood or anxiety disorder, we are glad you are here. We want you to know that you are not alone and that by getting the right kind of support, you will get better.
One in ten dads gets postpartum depression, and up to 18% develop a clinically significant anxiety disorder such as generalized anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder at some point during the pregnancy or the first year postpartum.
As part of our commitment to a whole-family, father-inclusive approach to perinatal mental health, Postpartum Support International is proud to sponsor the annual International Fathers’ Mental Health Day in order to raise awareness and decrease stigma that these dads often face. You can get more information about IFMHD on social feeds:
Call or Text our HelpLine
1-800-944-4773 (4PPD) – English and Spanish
When you call the HelpLine you will be asked to leave a confidential message, and a trained and caring volunteer will listen and return your call or text during business hours. They will listen, answer questions, offer encouragement, and connect you with local resources as needed.
Dad Support Group
Our online groups are here to help you connect with other dads who have newborns up to toddlers. Our groups allow you to talk and listen to other dads as they process their experiences. Whether you are going through stress, feeling overwhelmed as you adjust to parenting, or trying to figure out how best to support your partner, our groups are here for you.You will learn about helpful tools/resources and realize you are not alone. We do not allow group observation by students or professionals. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.
Times Vary.
Chat with a Fatherhood Expert
Join our monthly Just for Dads Chat. On the first Mondays of every month PSI hosts a free call-in forum for dads facilitated by a perinatal mood disorders expert and PSI Board Member Dr. Daniel Singley. Call for information, support, and connection with other dads. There is no need to pre-register or give your name.
Connect with our Specialized Coordinator for Dads
Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders are not only experienced by moms, and PSI’s Specialized Coordinator for Dads provides understanding and support for fathers who are struggling. (not for clinical consultation)
Connect with a Local PSI Volunteer near you
We have more than 400 Local Volunteers who provide support, information, encouragement, and connection with local providers and support groups.
Closed Facebook Group for Dads
PSI has a closed Facebook Group for dads, where members can get a lot of great support and information from other dads.
Additional Resources for Dads
- International Father’s Mental Health Day
- Dads With Wisdom: Dads With Wisdom seeks to build on men’s knowledge, skills and instincts of fatherhood by placing men into teams of potential or current fathers where they can connect, share and receive support from each other and DWW staff with the goal of becoming wiser dads.
- Tips about how dads can take care of themselves and their partners
- Video testimonials from dads who have experienced postpartum anxiety and depression
- Read David Levine’s blog post about how he beat postpartum depression
- The Postpartum Husband book by Karen Kleiman
- Boot Camp for New Dads is a unique father-to-father, community-based workshop that inspires and equips men of different economic levels, ages and cultures to become confidently engaged with their infants, support their mates and personally navigate their transformation into dads.
- The Good Men Project is a blog and Facebook page addressing subjects related to dating, marriage, and fatherhood.
- Center for Men’s Excellence: video info for new dads.
Fathers Respond to Perinatal and Postpartum Mood & Anxiety Disorders Video
When we filmed our new DVD, Healthy Mom, Happy Family, we had the opportunity to speak with the dads and we made a video where they shared their experiences. We hope their stories can support you and give you hope through this difficult time. Download the Order Form and send to psioffice@postpartum.net if you’d like to purchase the Father’s Respond video.
Wade Bowen “Turn on the Lights”
Country Music Artist Wade Bowen wrote “Turn on the Lights� after going through PPD with his wife Shelby. The Bowen family turned this into a benefit for Postpartum Support International, creating a CD with help from many families and PSI Volunteers. Wade has done so much to help PSI — what a talented and generous man. He helps us help families every day.