Understanding PMADs in Dads: Paternal Mental Health Matters Too
When we hear the term PMADs—Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders—most people think of mothers. And while it’s true that mothers experience PMADs at high rates, many people don’t realize that fathers can also struggle with depression, anxiety, and emotional dysregulation during pregnancy and the postpartum period.
The perinatal mental health conversation is often centered around birthing parents, but paternal mental health matters just as much. Dads also undergo major identity shifts, hormonal changes, sleep deprivation, and emotional upheaval. And when those changes go unsupported, they can lead to significant mental health challenges.
What Are PMADs in Dads?
PMADs refer to a range of mental health conditions that occur during pregnancy and the postpartum period. For fathers, symptoms often look different than they do for mothers, and they may be harder to recognize—both by the person experiencing them and those around them.
Common forms of PMADs in dads include:
Paternal Postpartum Depression (PPPD)
Generalized Anxiety
Panic Disorders
Obsessive-Compulsive Behaviors
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), especially if the birth was traumatic
Symptoms of PMADs in Fathers
While each experience is unique, here are some signs to look out for in yourself or the dads in your life:
Increased irritability, anger, or frustration
Withdrawal from family, friends, or partner
Difficulty bonding with the baby
Changes in sleep or appetite
Physical symptoms like headaches or stomach problems
Feeling overwhelmed, hopeless, or emotionally numb
Increased use of substances (alcohol, drugs, excessive screen time)
A constant sense of worry, dread, or restlessness
Because many men are taught to “tough it out” or minimize emotional struggles, these symptoms often go unspoken or unnoticed.
Why Do PMADs Happen in Dads?
Paternal PMADs are more common than most people realize. Research suggests that up to 1 in 10 dads experience postpartum depression—and the numbers are even higher when anxiety is included.
Some contributing factors include:
Hormonal changes (yes, dads’ hormones shift too—testosterone drops while oxytocin and estrogen rise)
Lack of sleep and increased stress
Financial and caregiving pressure
Feeling left out or unsure of their role
A partner’s mental health challenges
History of trauma or mental health issues
PMADs are not a sign of weakness—they are a response to a major life transition, compounded by emotional and physical stressors.
How to Get Support
The most important thing to know? You are not alone, and help is available. Support can come in many forms:
Talk to someone. Whether it's a partner, friend, therapist, or support group, opening up is a powerful first step.
Seek professional help. Therapists specializing in perinatal mental health or men’s mental health can offer strategies and support tailored to your needs.
Prioritize small moments of care. Sleep, movement, connection, and healthy routines can have a big impact on your emotional well-being.
Be honest with your healthcare provider. If you’re seeing a doctor for any reason, let them know how you're feeling emotionally too.
If your partner is also struggling, know that you both deserve support. Your well-being matters—for your own health, and for the health of your relationship and your family.
Final Thoughts: Changing the Narrative
The more we talk about PMADs in dads, the more we break the stigma that keeps so many men suffering in silence. Fatherhood is a major life transition. You are allowed to struggle. You are allowed to ask for help. And you are absolutely capable of healing and growing through it.
Taking care of your mental health isn’t just for you—it’s one of the most powerful things you can do for your family.