Helping fathers understand mental health and emotional wellbeing
Tips from the Institute of Health Visiting
Fathers are important and good mental health is vital for them, their partners, and their children.
The close involvement of fathers from birth supports positive relationships and fathers have an important role to play in child development.
Men go through many complex changes when they become a father which can make the perinatal period (from conception to one year after the birth of a baby) a particularly vulnerable time in a man’s life.
The adjustment to these changes and the challenge of balancing demands, including your home and work life, economic pressures, the emotional needs of you and your partner and the unfamiliarity that can come with a new role, can affect your mental health.
Fathers may experience many of the same stresses as mothers, such as sleep disruption, lifestyle changes, relationship conflict, and financial strain.
Fathers may also experience additional stress from feeling they have to be a ‘good father’ as well as a supportive partner.
Signs of stress include:
- physical symptoms, for example, tiredness, headaches, high blood pressure.
- emotional symptoms, like feeling worried, impatient or irritable.
- behavioural symptoms, smoking/drinking more than usual, being short tempered with loved ones.
There is increasing evidence that some men may also experience mental health problems during this period. These are known as perinatal mental illnesses.
Anxiety and depression are the most common mental health problems experienced by new fathers, with one in ten new fathers developing depression and even higher numbers experiencing anxiety.
Some fathers may experience new, or a worsening of existing, mental health problems such as obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD), posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), bipolar disorder and psychosis.
New fathers are often unaware of the possibility of mental health challenges and can experience significant difficulties with seeking support.
Several factors can affect your mental health as a new father.
This may include worries about pregnancy and birth, a traumatic birth experience, challenges related to broken sleep, responding to a baby who cries a lot and supporting your partner and their emotional/ mental wellbeing.
Fathers of infants born very prematurely can be at increased risk of depression and anxiety over the first year after their baby’s birth.
The peak time for fathers to experience depression is often between three and six months after the birth of their baby, but it can happen at any time.
These struggles are potentially harmful for men’s own wellbeing, their relationships, and their families.
There are also several things that you can do to improve your emotional wellbeing and reduce the risk of perinatal mental health problems.
- Recognise that you may sometimes feel down or low about being a parent.
- Make sure you talk to your partner, family, and friends about how you are feeling.
- Focus on the enjoyable aspects of parenting and have special moments that you share with your new baby, such as bath time, skin-to-skin contact or baby massage.
- Use this guide to give you ideas about how you can interact with your baby or speak to your health visitor for advice.
- Try to maintain any important hobbies or social events.
- It is important to avoid negative coping strategies, such as drinking too much or working too hard and staying away from home.
- Allow time for yourself, away from work and family.
- Take regular exercise.
- Don’t try to be ‘super dad’.
- Don’t try to do everything at once. Make a list of things to do and set realistic goals.
Remember, parenting can be challenging but it does get easier.
Don’t despair. You’re not to blame. Perinatal mental health problems can affect anyone, and it can be treated with the right support and help.
The quicker you speak out and get help, the quicker the recovery
Invisible – the full film
Please note, you may find the film upsetting, particularly if you have been affected by any of the issues raised.
How to get support
If you are a parent and you are struggling, talk to your health visitor, midwife or GP. Remember, your health visiting service is available for all the family, including fathers. Get in touch if you have any worries, questions, and concerns about your own health, your baby, or your partner.
Contact your local health visiting team
Advice and support from Minding Your Head
9th October 2025
