Men’s Health Week: Supporting mental wellbeing for new and expectant dads
Finding out you are going to be a dad can bring a mix of emotions. You might feel excited, proud, and full of anticipation but it’s equally common to feel worried or uncertain about what lies ahead. Thoughts about how a new baby might change your time, sleep, finances, or social life can feel overwhelming at times.
For many men, especially first-time fathers, the responsibility can feel huge. Waiting for your baby’s arrival can bring anxiety as well as excitement. It’s important to remember that these feelings are completely normal. Becoming a parent is one of life’s biggest transitions, and it affects everyone differently.
Dads play a vital role in the care and wellbeing of their babies and children. Whether living with their children or apart from them, fathers make a significant contribution to their child’s development and emotional security. Your involvement matters, not just to your child, but to your partner and your family as a whole.
Adjusting to life as a new dad
After your baby is born, it is normal to experience a wide range of emotions. Alongside joy and love, many dads face challenges such as:
- Lack of sleep
- Changes in relationships
- Financial pressures
- Increased responsibility and worry
These adjustments can take time, and it’s okay if things don’t feel perfect straight away.
Understanding paternal mental health
Mental health struggles are more common in new dads than many people realise. Around one in four fathers experience mild depression in the first year after their baby is born, with 10–12% diagnosed with depression.
Despite this, men often feel pressure to “stay strong” or avoid talking about their feelings. This can make it harder to recognise when support is needed.
It’s important to remember: you are not alone, and support is available.
Recognising the signs
Postnatal depression can affect dads as well as mums. It may impact your wellbeing, your relationships, and your ability to enjoy time with your baby. Everyone has times when they feel down. It might be because of challenges you are facing in your life, or you might not know why you are feeling low. It is normal to sometimes feel like this.
Signs to look out for include:
- Frequently feeling irritable or angry
- Feeling guilty, low, or hopeless
- Finding it difficult to concentrate
- Thinking you are not a good enough parent or partner
If these feelings persist, it’s important not to ignore them.
When should you get more help?
You might need more help if;
- The feelings last longer than a couple of weeks and you begin to feel that you have lost interest in things you used to enjoy.
- Your eating and sleeping patterns have changed.
- You don’t want to be with your family and friends and/or they are worried about you.
This could mean you are becoming depressed. It is important you tell someone and get professional help.
Why getting support matters
Looking after your mental health is not just about you, it plays a crucial role in your child’s development and your family’s wellbeing. When dads feel supported and emotionally well, they are better able to:
- Bond with their baby
- Support their partner
- Build strong, secure family relationships
Seeking help early can make a big difference and prevent symptoms from getting worse.
If you’re struggling, speaking to someone can be a powerful first step. You could:
- Talk to your GP
- Speak with your health visitor
- Self-refer to NHS Talking Therapies
- Open up to a trusted friend, family member, or partner
Talking about how you feel is not a sign of weakness—it’s a positive step towards feeling better.
