The arrival of a child is often celebrated as a time of immense joy, but a new study reveals a concerning trend: fathers in Sweden experience a significant increase in diagnoses of depression and stress-related disorders a year after their child’s birth. While mental health risks for new fathers initially decrease during pregnancy and the immediate postpartum period, they rebound—and, in the case of depression, surpass—pre-pregnancy levels. This delayed onset of mental health challenges highlights a critical gap in support for new parents, extending beyond the traditionally focused period of maternal postpartum care.
Researchers at the Karolinska Institutet, in collaboration with Sichuan University in China and Uppsala University in Sweden, analyzed data to track psychiatric diagnoses among fathers before, during and after their partners’ pregnancies. The findings, published in JAMA Network Open on March 23, 2026, demonstrate that the risk of any psychiatric diagnosis actually decreased during pregnancy and in the months immediately following the birth compared to the year prior. However, one year postpartum, diagnoses of anxiety and substance-use disorders returned to pre-pregnancy levels. Crucially, diagnoses related to depression and stress increased by over 30 percent compared to before the pregnancy. This increase in depression among new fathers is particularly noteworthy, as it was unexpected.
“The delayed increase in depression was unexpected and underscores the need to pay attention to warning signs of mental ill-health in fathers long after the child’s birth,” said Donghao Lu, Associate Professor at the Institute of Environmental Medicine (IMM) at Karolinska Institutet, and the study’s last author. The research team emphasizes that the study relies on clinically diagnosed cases, meaning it likely doesn’t capture the full extent of the issue, as many men may not seek professional help. Despite this limitation, the data provides a clear picture of when fathers are most vulnerable to mental health struggles during the transition to parenthood.
The Shifting Landscape of Postpartum Mental Health
For decades, the focus of postpartum mental health support has been overwhelmingly directed towards mothers, with conditions like postpartum depression receiving significant attention. While maternal postpartum depression affects an estimated 1 in 7 women, the mental health of fathers is increasingly recognized as equally important—not only for their own well-being but also for the entire family. A father’s mental health can significantly impact his relationship with his partner, his ability to bond with his child, and the overall stability of the family unit.
Jing Zhou, a researcher involved in the study, explained, “By identifying periods of increased vulnerability, healthcare providers and other stakeholders can more easily offer support. There’s a lot of talk about postpartum depression in new mothers, but fathers’ well-being is also important, both for themselves and for the whole family.” This sentiment reflects a growing awareness that parenthood is a shared experience, and mental health support should be inclusive of all parents.
Beyond the Initial Postpartum Period
The study’s findings challenge the conventional understanding of the postpartum period as a time of immediate, short-lived mental health risk for fathers. The researchers found that while the initial months after birth may see a temporary decrease in diagnoses, the risk of depression and stress-related disorders continues to rise over the following year. This suggests that the pressures of long-term parenting—financial strain, sleep deprivation, changes in relationship dynamics, and the ongoing demands of childcare—can accumulate and contribute to mental health challenges.
Understanding the specific factors that contribute to this delayed onset of depression is an area for future research. Potential contributing factors include changes in work-life balance, social isolation, and the emotional toll of navigating the responsibilities of fatherhood. The American Psychological Association highlights the importance of fathers’ involvement in their children’s lives, but also acknowledges the challenges they face in balancing work, family, and personal well-being.
Implications for Support and Intervention
The study’s results have significant implications for how mental health support is offered to new parents. Current interventions often focus on the immediate postpartum period, but this research suggests that support should be extended for at least a year after the birth of a child. This could include regular check-ins with healthcare providers, access to mental health resources, and support groups specifically designed for new fathers.
the findings underscore the need to destigmatize mental health challenges in men. Traditional societal norms often discourage men from seeking help for emotional or psychological issues, which can prevent them from accessing the support they need. Promoting open conversations about mental health and challenging harmful stereotypes are crucial steps in creating a more supportive environment for new fathers.
The research was funded by Karolinska Institutet’s strategic research area in epidemiology and biostatistics, the Swedish Research Council, and the European Research Council. The researchers reported no conflicts of interest.
Looking ahead, the researchers plan to investigate the specific factors that contribute to the delayed onset of depression in fathers and to develop targeted interventions to address this growing public health concern. The next step in this research will involve analyzing qualitative data from interviews with new fathers to gain a deeper understanding of their experiences and challenges.
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, please reach out for help. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline is available 24/7 at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
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