New dads need support adjusting to parenthood just as much as mothers do. Becoming a father impacts a man’s identity, his primary relationship, and his level of responsibility to others. Because our understanding of fatherhood has changed so much in recent decades, many of today’s new fathers do not have a role model to help guide them during this time of profound change. A new dad often looks to his parenting partner for direction, but this can leave him feeling like a third wheel struggling to find his place and role in his new family. Learned gender role stereotypes can kick in, making things even more confusing. Becoming a father can bring unexpected and complicated feelings such as irritability, sadness, anxiety, anger, and withdrawal. If you have experienced these kinds of feelings, you are not alone. Research indicates 1 in 10 new dads experience postnatal depression. Moreover, when a new father’s partner experiences a postpartum depression or anxiety disorder, the father is 50% more likely to develop postnatal depression himself.

Your baby needs you. If you believe you may be struggling with postnatal depression or more generally with your adjustment to fatherhood, there is no need to suffer in solitude. Depression and other emotional issues that arise with new fatherhood are highly treatable. We help new fathers: find support for stress related to becoming a parent; obtain social support for their parenting role; feel more connected and bonded to their partner and baby.

Dads have a unique role to play in joining with their partners in the care of their children. The central focus of wellness for new parents involves the complicated task of balancing self-care with learning how to care for and bond with your baby while also attending to the central relationship in your life. This is a tall order and takes time to accomplish—often more time than any of us would like. Together we will discover the right combination of self-care ingredients for you, including:

• psychotherapy
• social support
• medication
• exercise
• sleep habits
• wellness-oriented nutrition

Call Dr. Osborn for a free telephone evaluation to see if you might benefit from treatment.