--- title: Be Concerned About Depression in Dads description: Postpartum depression isn't just for mothers. We discuss how paternal depression can have a lasting impact on their children for years to come in this article. image: https://www.fatherhood.org/hubfs/NFI_Blog_depression.png --- [Skip to main content](https://www.fatherhood.org/championing-fatherhood/be-concerned-about-depression-in-dads#main) - [![NFI mark](https://www.fatherhood.org/hubfs/NFI-Assets/images/NFI%20mark.svg)FATHERHOOD.ORG](https://www.fatherhood.org/) - [STORE.FATHERHOOD.ORG](https://store.fatherhood.org/) [![NFI_logo_blue_left (1) 1](https://www.fatherhood.org/hs-fs/hubfs/NFI-Assets/images/NFI_logo_blue_left%20(1)%201.png?width=149&height=82&name=NFI_logo_blue_left%20(1)%201.png) ![NFI_logo_blue_left (1) 1](https://www.fatherhood.org/hs-fs/hubfs/NFI-Assets/images/NFI_logo_blue_left%20(1)%201.png?width=119&height=65&name=NFI_logo_blue_left%20(1)%201.png) ![NFI_logo_blue_left (1) 1](https://www.fatherhood.org/hs-fs/hubfs/NFI-Assets/images/NFI_logo_blue_left%20(1)%201.png?width=119&height=66&name=NFI_logo_blue_left%20(1)%201.png) ![NFI_logo_blue_left (1) 1](https://www.fatherhood.org/hs-fs/hubfs/NFI-Assets/images/NFI_logo_blue_left%20(1)%201.png?width=89&height=49&name=NFI_logo_blue_left%20(1)%201.png) ](https://www.fatherhood.org) - [How To Build Strong Families](https://www.fatherhood.org/build-strong-families) - [Why Father Inclusion Matters](https://www.fatherhood.org/why-father-inclusion-matters) - Show submenu for Get Involved Get Involved - [Fatherhood Programs](https://www.fatherhood.org/solutions/programs-and-resources) - [Train Your Staff](https://www.fatherhood.org/solutions/staff-training) - [State, County, and City Agency Services](https://www.fatherhood.org/solutions/collaborative-services) Open main navigation Close main navigation - Show submenu for Get Informed Get Informed - [How To Build Strong Families](https://www.fatherhood.org/build-strong-families) - [Why Father Inclusion Matters](https://www.fatherhood.org/why-father-inclusion-matters) - [Father Stats & Infographics](https://www.fatherhood.org/father-absence-statistic) - Show submenu for Get Involved Get Involved - [Fatherhood Programs](https://www.fatherhood.org/solutions/programs-and-resources) - [Train Your Staff](https://www.fatherhood.org/solutions/staff-training) - [State, County, and City Agency Services](https://www.fatherhood.org/solutions/collaborative-services) - Show submenu for Get Started Get Started - [Find Your Stage of Father Inclusion](https://www.fatherhood.org/father-inclusion) - [How Father Friendly Is Your Organization?](https://www.fatherhood.org/father-friendly) - [Get In Touch](https://www.fatherhood.org/get-started) [Store](https://store.fatherhood.org/?hsLang=en) [Get In Touch](https://www.fatherhood.org/get-started) [Store](https://store.fatherhood.org/?hsLang=en) Show submenu for Get Started Get Started - [Fatherhood Data & Statistics](https://www.fatherhood.org/father-absence-statistic) - [How Father Friendly is Your Organization?](https://www.fatherhood.org/father-friendly) - [Other Free Resources](https://www.fatherhood.org/nfi-free-resources) - [Talk With us to Get Started](https://www.fatherhood.org/get-started) National Fatherhood Initiative Blog / [Latest Articles](https://www.fatherhood.org/championing-fatherhood) [General Fatherhood Research & Studies](https://www.fatherhood.org/championing-fatherhood/topic/general-fatherhood-research-studies) # Be Concerned About Depression in Dads 3 min read ![Christopher A. Brown](https://www.fatherhood.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Images/chris_circle_icon.png?width=100&height=100&name=chris_circle_icon.png) [** Christopher A. Brown ** ](https://www.fatherhood.org/championing-fatherhood/author/christopher-a-brown) Chris serves as the President of National Fatherhood Initiative® (NFI), where he is responsible for overseeing the development and implementation of NFI's strategic plan and business model, as well as its operations and fundraising efforts. ![NFI_Blog_depression.png](https://www.fatherhood.org/hs-fs/hubfs/NFI_Blog_depression.png?width=452&height=304&name=NFI_Blog_depression.png) A friend of mine recently welcomed his second daughter into the world, 16 years after welcoming his first. She was born 8 weeks premature and weighed only 4.5 pounds. She’s still in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Fortunately, she was heavier and better developed than many preemies at that stage. She’s returned to and surpassed her birth weight, and is off her feeding tube and breastfeeding. She should come home to her parents any day now. Having a baby in the NICU is [tough on parents](https://www.marchofdimes.org/mission/the-emotional-toll.aspx). It can exact harsh financial and emotional costs. Two of the most significant emotional costs are stress and depression. Only recently, however, has [research](https://news.northwestern.edu/stories/2017/december/preemies-dads-more-stressed-than-moms-after-nicu) examined the impact on parents when their baby comes home from the NICU, an event that on the surface seems it should be a happy one that reduces stress. **We now know it stresses dad more than it stresses mom.** While both parents experience high-level stress before their baby is discharged, dad’s stress increases during the first two weeks at home while mom’s stress stays constant. The fact that I ran across this study just a week or two after the birth of my friend’s daughter was serendipitous. While I wasn’t surprised to learn that dads of preemies are stressed—my friend has been very stressed since her birth—the insight from this research gives me further concern about his well-being after she comes home. **I’m further concerned for him for another reason—the potential long-term effects of this increased stress, which include depression.** If he doesn’t acknowledge and address his stress, it could become chronic. Chronic stress can [cause depression](https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/expert-answers/stress/faq-20058233). My friend could be at risk for the double whammy of stress and postpartum depression. Even if his daughter had been born full-term, he might have become depressed. We’ve known for at least a decade that even dads with full-term babies can experience [postpartum depression](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2922346/). My friend’s situation caused me to consider my work with National Fatherhood Initiative (NFI). Might my new insight lead to some advice and guidance for those who serve dads? Specifically, I started to wonder about depression in dads as their children age. I wondered whether dads of older children experience depression and, if so, how it might affect their children. **What I found concerned me, and should concern you.** My investigation led me to the work of [Craig Garfield](http://www.feinberg.northwestern.edu/faculty-profiles/az/profile.html?xid=11317), an associate professor of pediatrics and medical social sciences at Northwestern University. **He has found that the first five years after a child’s birth is the riskiest time for paternal depression.** Young dads in particular (age 25 or less) are especially susceptible. Their depression [increases by nearly 70%](https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2014/04/14/fathers-depression-babies/7591819/) during a child’s first five years. The first five years are so vital in a child’s development. Other research from Garfield has found that depressed dads are: - More likely to abuse or neglect their children - Less likely read to their children - Less likely to interact with their children generally As a result, the children of depressed dads are more likely to have developmental delays and behavioral problems. My investigation also led me to the work of researchers in the United Kingdom (UK). They recently examined the [effects of paternal depression on teenage children](http://www.ucl.ac.uk/news/news-articles/1117/161117-father-depression). **They found that, independent of maternal depression, paternal depression increases the risk of depression in teens.** Moreover, the effect of moms’ and dads’ depression on these children is about the same. The teen years are also a critical time in a child’s development. Depression in teens can have [dire consequences](http://www.apa.org/science/about/psa/2015/11/depression-adolescents.aspx). Depressed teens are: - More likely to have problems in school (academic achievement and behavior) - Engage in risky behavior - Engage in self-injury (e.g. cut themselves) The consequences of teenage depression don’t magically disappear. They extend into adulthood. These teens are more likely to become adults with financial struggles, who divorce, and who try or commit suicide.  **The implication of this research is clear.** - Be on the lookout for depression in dads. It can happen at any stage in a dad’s journey. - Learn the general [symptoms of depression](https://www.webmd.com/depression/guide/detecting-depression#1). - Learn the symptoms of depression [in men](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/men-and-depression/index.shtml). - Create a list of professionals who can help with depression. If you’re concerned that a dad is depressed, refer him to a trained professional (e.g. family doctor or therapist) to determine whether he is depressed and, if so, provide him with or refer him to the help he needs. As the UK researchers point out, men are less likely to [seek help for depression](http://www.ucl.ac.uk/news/news-articles/1117/161117-father-depression). A dad might need some extra encouragement to seek help. Remember that the help a depressed dad gets now will help him and his children for years to come!  **Are you aware that depression can strike dads at any stage of their fatherhood journey?**  **If you become concerned that a dad might be depressed, do you have a list of professionals to refer him for help?**     Date Published: 01/16/2018 Last Updated: 01/16/2018 ## Learn How to Build a Fatherhood Program That Works Download this free guide for a proven 7-step roadmap—from making the case and securing funding for your program, to launching and measuring real results! [Get The Guide Now!](https://www.fatherhood.org/starting-a-fatherhood-program) ![7-steps-starting-a-fatherhood_program](https://www.fatherhood.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Images/7-steps-starting-a-fatherhood_program.png?width=700&height=700&name=7-steps-starting-a-fatherhood_program.png) [ Previous ](https://www.fatherhood.org/championing-fatherhood/free-webinar-fathers-attendance-in-fatherhood-programs) [ Next ](https://www.fatherhood.org/championing-fatherhood/how-to-help-dads-who-have-children-with-special-needs) ## Related Articles ### [24:7 Dad® + Case Management = A Winning Combo A few months ago, I spoke with two researchers who recently completed an evaluation of a fatherhood program that uses 24:7 Dad® as its foundation. They were planning to submit a ... Read More](https://www.fatherhood.org/championing-fatherhood/247-dad-plus-case-management-winning-combo) ### [The Message Parenting Educators Still Need to Hear I participated recently in a panel at a virtual conference for parenting educators. The discussion centered on the challenges today’s parents face and how parenting educators can ... Read More](https://www.fatherhood.org/championing-fatherhood/message-parenting-educators-still-need-to-hear) ### [The $154 Billion Problem Many Communities Are Ignoring — And How to Fix It If the U.S. can spend $154 billion in only one year addressing the effects of father absence, the real question is not whether this is a problem—it’s whether we are addressing it ... Read More](https://www.fatherhood.org/championing-fatherhood/the-154-billion-problem-many-communities-are-ignoring-and-how-to-fix-it) ### Explore Topics [NFI-Specific Programs & Resources](https://www.fatherhood.org/championing-fatherhood/topic/nfi-specific-programs-resources) [Tips & Tricks](https://www.fatherhood.org/championing-fatherhood/topic/tips-tricks) [General Fatherhood Program Resources](https://www.fatherhood.org/championing-fatherhood/topic/general-fatherhood-program-resources) [General Fatherhood Research & Studies](https://www.fatherhood.org/championing-fatherhood/topic/general-fatherhood-research-studies) [Success Stories](https://www.fatherhood.org/championing-fatherhood/topic/success-stories) [NFI News & Updates](https://www.fatherhood.org/championing-fatherhood/topic/nfi-news-updates) [Program Recruitment & Retention](https://www.fatherhood.org/championing-fatherhood/topic/program-recruitment-retention) [Research on NFI Programs & Resources](https://www.fatherhood.org/championing-fatherhood/topic/research-on-nfi-programs-resources) [Fundraising](https://www.fatherhood.org/championing-fatherhood/topic/fundraising) [All Posts](https://www.fatherhood.org/championing-fatherhood/all) ### Subscribe to Championing Fatherhood ![Laptop with NFI store website opened](https://www.fatherhood.org/hs-fs/hubfs/NFI-Assets/images/Laptop%20with%20NFI%20store%20website%20opened.png?width=279&height=167&name=Laptop%20with%20NFI%20store%20website%20opened.png) ### Get the Father Engagement Resources You Need [ Visit Online Store ](https://cta-service-cms2.hubspot.com/web-interactives/public/v1/track/click?encryptedPayload=AVxigLKw4WaOo8902iPmpW%2ByUsyBSKuq3qkzqNyXpzwPOccE0AXP2KES9oXgU9nIB8fuwW%2BqIn%2Fks1zUl4Xat3EfgSWc9L3SpStWlNlgOYxw5gMRlbHlSTv5NllcFgvU6lYkSZwB5VyC1gksPebRm5z%2FxU8k1Flp%2FIqV%2FKhmFjDSTcs%3D&portalId=135704) [![NFI_logo_blue_left (1) 1 (1)](https://www.fatherhood.org/hs-fs/hubfs/NFI-Assets/images/NFI_logo_blue_left%20(1)%201%20(1).png?width=148&height=88&name=NFI_logo_blue_left%20(1)%201%20(1).png) ](https://www.fatherhood.org) [![Facebook](https://www.fatherhood.org/hubfs/NFI-Assets/images/Facebook.svg) ](https://www.facebook.com/nationalfatherhoodinitiative/) [![LinkedIn](https://www.fatherhood.org/hubfs/NFI-Assets/images/LinkedIn.svg) ](https://www.linkedin.com/company/national-fatherhood-initiative) [![candid-seal-platinum-main](https://www.fatherhood.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Images/email/candid-seal-platinum-main.png?width=100&height=100&name=candid-seal-platinum-main.png) ](https://www.fatherhood.org) About - [Our Mission](https://www.fatherhood.org/our-mission) - [Our Impact](https://www.fatherhood.org/our-impact) - [Our History](https://www.fatherhood.org/history) - [Our Board & Staff](https://www.fatherhood.org/leadership) - [Contact Us](https://www.fatherhood.org/contact-us) Train Your Staff - [Program Facilitator Training](https://www.fatherhoodpractitioners.org/collections/core-programs) - [Earn Your Certificates](https://www.fatherhoodpractitioners.org/collections/certificates) - [Live Group Training](https://www.fatherhood.org/training-institute) Fatherhood Programs - [24:7 Dad®](https://store.fatherhood.org/shop-by-program/24-7-dad/) - [ProFathering15™](https://store.fatherhood.org/profathering15) - [24:7 Dad Key Behaviors™ Workshop](https://store.fatherhood.org/247-dad-key-behaviors-workshop-facilitators-kit/) - [InsideOut Dad®](https://store.fatherhood.org/insideout-dad-facilitators-kit/) - [Understanding Dad™](https://store.fatherhood.org/understanding-dad-facilitators-kit/) - [Co-Parenting Program Bundle](https://store.fatherhood.org/co-parenting-group-based-facilitators-bundle/) Fatherhood Data - [Free Data & Infographics](https://www.fatherhood.org/father-absence-statistic) - [Father Facts™ 9 Publication](https://store.fatherhood.org/father-facts-ninth-edition/) - [Father Facts Poster Sets](https://store.fatherhood.org/posters) - [Father Involvement Brochures](https://store.fatherhood.org/brochures) Free Resources - [Father Friendly Check-Up™](https://www.fatherhood.org/ffcu) - [Fatherhood Program Selection Tool](https://www.fatherhood.org/program-selector) - [Championing Fatherhood Blog](https://www.fatherhood.org/championing-fatherhood) - [Help Center](https://help.fatherhood.org/) - [**FatherSource™ Store**](https://store.fatherhood.org/) --- © 2026 National Fatherhood Initiative®. All rights reserved. - [FAQs](https://www.fatherhood.org/faq) - [Privacy Policy](https://www.fatherhood.org/privacy-policy) - [Terms of Service](https://www.fatherhood.org/terms-of-service) - [Cookies Settings](https://www.fatherhood.org/privacy-policy)