Father's Mental Health
Perinatal mental health is not only a maternal issue. Fathers and partners are also vulnerable to depression, anxiety and other mental health conditions during pregnancy and in the first year after birth — yet they remain largely invisible in clinical settings, public health policy and wider conversation. FMCH-UK is committed to ensuring that paternal mental health receives the recognition it deserves.
The Evidence
Around 1 in 10 fathers experience depression during pregnancy and early parenthood (1)— a rate double that of the general male population. Men experience as much as a 68% increase in depression symptoms across the first five years of fatherhood (2) and up to half of fathers whose partners experience postpartum depression will develop it themselves (2).
Paternal depression tends to develop gradually, often peaking between three and six months after birth (1). Compared to mothers, fathers are less likely to report sadness and more likely to mask their symptoms through avoidant behaviours — throwing themselves into work, increased substance use, or displaying heightened anger or irritability. This means paternal perinatal mental illness (PPMI) frequently goes unrecognised and untreated.
The consequences extend beyond the father. A UK study conducted in Wales between 2002 and 2021 found that 107 fathers died by suicide during their baby's first 1,001 days — compared to 16 mothers in the same period (3). Fathers experiencing perinatal mental health problems are estimated to be up to 47% more likely to be rated as a suicide risk than at any other time in their lives (3).
Despite this evidence, there are currently no NICE guidelines on interventional support specifically for paternal perinatal mental health, and fathers are rarely screened or engaged within routine perinatal services.
Key Facts
●1 in 10 fathers experience depression during pregnancy and the first year after birth. (Frontiers in Public Health, 2024)
●25% of new fathers experience mild depressive symptoms; 10–12% receive a clinical diagnosis of depression. (NCT, 2022; PANDAS Foundation)
●Up to half of fathers whose partners have a perinatal mental illness will develop one themselves. (Health Affairs, 2024)
●Paternal depression negatively affects parenting, family relationships and child development — with effects lasting into adolescence. (Health Affairs, 2024)
●107 fathers in Wales died by suicide in their baby's first 1,001 days (2002–2021), compared to 16 mothers. (Fathers Reaching Out, 2024)
●Fathers experiencing perinatal mental health problems are up to 47% more likely to be rated as a suicide risk than at any other time in their lives. (Fathers Reaching Out, 2024)
Risk Factors
Any father or partner can be affected. Factors that increase risk include:
●Partner experiencing a perinatal mental illness
●Limited or no paternity leave
●Financial pressures arising from changes in household income
●Relationship strain following the arrival of a new baby
●Feeling excluded from care — with attention focused on the mother and baby
●Previous history of mental health difficulties
●Lack of social support or isolation
●Young age at fatherhood
Why It Matters for the Whole Family
Paternal mental health is not only a concern for fathers themselves. Research consistently shows that a father's emotional wellbeing has a direct impact on his partner's recovery, the quality of early caregiving, and the long-term development of the child. When fathers receive support, the whole family benefits.
Conversely, where paternal perinatal mental illness goes untreated, it is linked to reduced sensitivity in caregiving, poorer child developmental outcomes, and increased strain on the couple relationship (2) — underscoring the urgency of early identification and support.
Support in the UK:
If you are a father or partner struggling with your mental health during pregnancy or in the first year after birth, support is available. The following UK organisations specifically recognise and address paternal perinatal mental health:
PANDAS Foundation UK
A leading UK perinatal mental health charity offering free support specifically for fathers and partners, including a weekly helpline, WhatsApp service, email support, group support and peer volunteers with lived experience. Available 8am–10pm daily.
Fathers Reaching Out
Founded by Mark Williams — a leading international advocate for paternal mental health — Fathers Reaching Out campaigns for better recognition and support for fathers in the perinatal period. Mark also founded International Fathers' Mental Health Day (held each June) and, in collaboration with FMCH-UK, the call to action: #How Are You,Dad?
Andy's Man Club
A men's suicide prevention charity offering free, peer-to-peer support groups at over 320 venues across the UK, every Monday evening. Open to any man over 18 who is going through a difficult time.
Mind
A national mental health charity offering information, advice and local support services for anyone experiencing mental health difficulties, including new fathers.
Samaritans
Available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Call free on 116 123 if you need someone to talk to.
References
1 Frontiers in Public Health (2024). Towards effective screening for paternal perinatal mental illness. https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/public-health/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2024.1393729/full
2 Health Affairs (2024). Perinatal Mental Health: Father Inclusion at the Local, State, and National Level. https://www.healthaffairs.org/doi/10.1377/hlthaff.2023.01459
3 Fathers Reaching Out (2024). Suicide statistics in fathers during the perinatal period. https://fathersreachingout.co.uk
4 BMJ Open (2024). Exploration of fathers' mental health and wellbeing concerns during the perinatal period. https://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/14/11/e078386
5 PANDAS Foundation UK. Dads' Mental Health. https://pandasfoundation.org.uk/what-is-pnd/dads-mental-health/