UAE: Postpartum depression in men 'easy to miss', affects 8-10% of fathers globally

When Dubai resident MH became a father for the first time, he was expecting to feel fulfilled and happy. Instead, he began experiencing depressive symptoms which took a toll on his relationship, his job and his bond with the baby. By the time the baby was six months old, MH sought mental health help after his sense of helplessness and self-criticism had intensified.

“Therapy focused on helping him understand and manage his emotions and on finding practical, solution-focused strategies to rebuild his confidence and connection with his family,” said Dr Aida Suhaimi, Clinical Psychologist at Medcare Camali Clinic. “Over time with consistent support, he began to feel more in control, re-engaged with his child, and reported a stronger relationship with his partner.”

According to Dr Meera T Anto, Specialist Obstetrician and Gynecologist at International Modern Hospital Dubai, paternal postpartum depression affects 8 to 10 per cent of fathers globally, with some studies reporting rates as high as 25 per cent during the 3–6 months postpartum period.

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Dr Aida added that when the wife suffers PPD — as in M.H.’s case Z — the incidence goes up by 50 percent.

Unreported

However, several experts pointed out that PPD often goes unreported. “Fathers who develop depression may experience a range of symptoms including feelings of sadness, anxiety and irritability, as well as changes in their usual eating or sleeping patterns,” said Dr Hollie Shannon, Clinical Psychologist at Sage Clinics. “However, it can be easy to miss or disregard these warning signs in the chaos of everyday life with a newborn. Some fathers may actively mask the fact that they are struggling to cope as they worry about being perceived as a failure or burden to their family.”

Dr Meera supported her observations. “Paternal PPD is typically diagnosed using tools like the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, adapted for men, or general depression inventories,” she said. “However, fathers are less likely to be screened, and many healthcare settings focus primarily on mothers. Fathers are often present only at the birth and pediatric checkups, where they are rarely screened. There is no standardized guideline in most countries to routinely screen fathers for PPD.”

Photo: Dr Meera T Anto

Dr Aida added that the depression comes from a combination of “life stressors, transformations and diminishing identity” among other factors. “This comes from a combination of factors and the acknowledgment that your brain can change as you become a parent,” she said. “In most of the cases, just like PPD in mothers, but more so in fathers, the condition goes unrecognised or untreated.”

Seek help

Dr Meera said it was important for men to speak to doctors and seek help. “They should ask about mental health screening or referrals and access support through clinics with men’s mental health services or family therapy,” she said. “There are also UAE-based online platforms like Takalam or Mindforce DXB that offer virtual mental health support."

She added that men must learn to break the stigma and overcome the cultural expectations that “often silence men”  to take charge of their mental health.

Dr Aida said that new fathers can deal with the emotional and practical challenges of having a baby by being involved in parenting, strengthening the infant-baby bond, socialising with the other new fathers in their peers and seeking professional help when required and taking care of themselves.

Photo: Dr Aida Suhaimi

Dr Hollie added that just like new mothers, new fathers also need emotional support. “We need to hear that we are doing a good job every day, but especially on the difficult days. So couples need to make the time to talk and really listen to one another so they can feel more connected and supported on their parenting journey,” she said.

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