When a baby arrives, nearly every question people ask is about the baby or the person who gave birth, which makes sense. What tends to get missed is that the other parent is going through an enormous change as well, usually on very little sleep and with a quiet expectation that they should be the steady one. So, to answer the question directly, yes, dads and non-birthing parents can experience postnatal depression and anxiety, and it is more common than most people realise.
How common is postnatal depression in dads?
Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia (PANDA) estimates that up to one in ten expecting and new dads experience perinatal anxiety or depression (PANDA, n.d.). Researchers interviewed by the ABC this month suggested the real figure is probably higher, because the questionnaires used to measure it often miss the way men tend to show distress (ABC News, 2026). It can affect non-birthing parents in same-sex and gender-diverse families too.
The word perinatal covers the whole stretch from pregnancy through to the first year after birth. That matters, because symptoms don't always show up in the first few weeks. For some dads they build gradually, once the adrenaline of the early days fades and months of broken sleep start to catch up.
Why it so often goes unnoticed
A lot of what new parents feel overlaps with ordinary exhaustion. Low energy, a shorter fuse and feeling flat can all be put down to sleep deprivation, which makes it easy for a dad to tell himself he'll be fine once things calm down (ABC News, 2026). Health checks after a birth are also set up around the birthing parent, so fathers are usually seen as the support person rather than someone who might need support themselves.
Then there is the pressure many men carry to be the reliable one. Reaching out can feel selfish or like failing at the job, especially when a partner is still recovering from the birth. Neither of those things is true, but they are very human reasons why people wait longer than they need to.
Signs of depression and anxiety in new dads
Depression and anxiety in fathers don't always look like sadness. Men are more likely to show distress outwardly, through anger, tension or taking more risks than usual (ABC News, 2026). Some signs worth paying attention to include:
feeling low, numb or hopeless for much of the day
irritability, frustration or anger that feels out of character
constant worry about the baby, your partner, money or your own health
losing interest in the baby or in things you normally enjoy
pulling away from friends, family or people at work
not being able to sleep even when the baby is settled
being very hard on yourself, or feeling like you're failing as a parent
Having one or two of these on a rough day is part of life with a newborn. When several stick around for a couple of weeks or more, or start affecting your relationships and how you cope day to day, it's a good time to talk to someone.
What can help
The encouraging news is that perinatal depression and anxiety are very treatable, and getting support early tends to make recovery smoother (ABC News, 2026). A few practical places to start:
Tell someone you trust how you've really been going, whether that's your partner, a mate or a family member.
Try a short online check-in, such as the Beyond Blue anxiety and depression checklist, to get a clearer picture.
Call the PANDA National Helpline on 1300 726 306, which supports dads as well as mums (PANDA, n.d.).
Look for a dads' group or make time to reconnect with friends, because connection makes a real difference for you and your family.
Book in with a psychologist who understands the transition to parenthood.
Seeing a psychologist gives you an hour where you don't have to be the strong one. At Valentia Health, our psychologists work with new parents on anxiety, low mood, overwhelm and the relationship strain that often comes with a new baby. You can see us in person at our Taringa clinic, close to Indooroopilly and Toowong, or by telehealth if getting out the door with a newborn feels like a mission. Couples sessions can also help when both parents are feeling stretched.
If you're worried about your partner
If you're reading this because you're concerned about the dad in your life, gently naming what you've noticed can open the door. Something like "you haven't seemed yourself lately, how are you really going?" is a good start, followed by listening rather than rushing to fix anything. Offering to help him book a first appointment can take a lot of the weight off.
Asking the question is a good sign
Wanting to understand what you're feeling is a positive step, and it usually says a lot about how much you care about your family. Struggling after a baby arrives says nothing about whether you are a good dad, and you deserve support just as much as anyone else in the house.
If any of this sounds familiar, we'd love to help. You can book online at valentiahealth.com.au or call us on (07) 3544 6748 for a chat about getting started. Medicare rebates may be available with a Mental Health Care Plan from your GP.
References
ABC News. (2026, October 13). Understanding perinatal anxiety and depression in fathers. ABC News. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-10-13/understanding-perinatal-anxiety-and-depression-in-fathers-/107235286
Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia. (n.d.). Dads. PANDA. https://www.panda.org.au/get-support/support-dads
This post is for general informational purposes and is not a substitute for professional psychological advice. If you are in crisis, please contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or call 000.