How Long Does Paternal Postpartum Depression Last?

Paternal postpartum depression can last months or longer. Learn how therapy helps dads in Des Plaines, IL, recover and reconnect with their families.

When we talk about postpartum depression, most people immediately think of new mothers. But more and more research shows that fathers can also experience postpartum depression — often silently. Paternal postpartum depression (PPPD) affects up to 1 in 10 new dads, and the emotional weight it brings can impact the entire family if left untreated.

So, how long does paternal postpartum depression last? And what can dads in Des Plaines, IL — and beyond — do to heal and feel like themselves again?

Let’s break it down.

How Long Does Paternal Postpartum Depression Usually Last?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but most cases of paternal postpartum depression can last anywhere from several months to over a year if untreated. Some fathers experience symptoms for just a few weeks, while others notice their depression deepening as time goes on.

Research shows that, on average, symptoms tend to emerge within the first three to six months after the baby’s birth — though they can start earlier or appear later, especially if dads are juggling major life stressors like work changes, sleep deprivation, or relationship strain.

If support or treatment isn’t sought, these feelings can linger well into the first year of fatherhood and sometimes beyond. However, with therapy, support, and healthy coping strategies, recovery is absolutely possible — and most dads start to feel significant improvement within a few months of consistent care.

Why Paternal Postpartum Depression Happens

Many dads are surprised by how profoundly life changes after a baby arrives. You might feel immense love and pride, but also pressure, exhaustion, and loss of control. Hormonal changes, sleep deprivation, financial stress, and shifts in your relationship can all contribute.

Some fathers describe feeling numb or disconnected, while others experience irritability, anger, or anxiety rather than sadness. Because society doesn’t always encourage men to talk openly about emotions, many dads end up bottling it up, which can make recovery take longer.

You’re not weak or failing as a parent — your brain and body are responding to real stressors and hormonal changes. Just like mothers, fathers deserve understanding, compassion, and help.

Signs It Might Be Time to Seek Help

It’s normal to feel overwhelmed or unsure as a new parent. But if these feelings last for weeks or months and begin to affect your relationships, work, or daily life, it might be time to reach out for help.

Some common signs of paternal postpartum depression include:

• Persistent sadness, emptiness, or irritability

• Loss of interest in activities you used to enjoy

• Withdrawing from your partner, baby, or friends

• Feeling hopeless, guilty, or inadequate

• Increased anger or frustration

• Changes in appetite or sleep

• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions

If these sound familiar, please know — you’re not alone, and things can get better.

How Therapy for Dads Can Help You Recover

As a postpartum therapist in Des Plaines, IL, I’ve seen firsthand how powerful therapy can be for new fathers. In therapy, we focus on helping you:

• Understand what’s happening in your mind and body

• Develop healthy ways to cope with stress, exhaustion, and self-doubt

• Rebuild emotional connection with your partner and baby

• Strengthen your support system

• Restore your sense of confidence and balance

Every dad’s experience is different, but with the right support, many start noticing improvement within 6 to 12 weeks of beginning therapy.

The most important step is simply starting the conversation. You don’t have to wait until things feel unbearable to ask for help.

You Deserve Support, Too

Paternal postpartum depression doesn’t define you — and it doesn’t last forever. With care, understanding, and professional support, recovery is not just possible, it’s expected.

If you’re a new dad in the Des Plaines, IL area and think you might be struggling with postpartum depression, reach out to a postpartum therapist today. Taking that first step toward help is one of the most loving things you can do — for yourself, your partner, and your baby.

Ready to Talk with a Postpartum Therapist in Des Plaines, IL?

If you’ve been feeling stuck, disconnected, or overwhelmed since becoming a dad, you don’t have to face it alone. At Shapiro Psychotherapy Associates, PLLC, I offer compassionate therapy for new fathers navigating the challenges of postpartum depression and adjustment. Together, we’ll work toward helping you feel grounded, confident, and connected again — both as a parent and as yourself.

• Reach out today to schedule a free consultation or first appointment.

• Work with a compassionate postpartum therapist who specializes in paternal postpartum depression.

• Healing starts with one small step — and you deserve support, too.

Other Services Offered by Shapiro Psychotherapy Associates, PLLC in Des Plaines, Illinois

At Shapiro Psychotherapy Associates, PLLC, I offer therapy designed to support fathers navigating the emotional and relational challenges of paternal postpartum depression. Whether you’re feeling disconnected from your partner, overwhelmed by the pressures of new parenthood, or silently carrying feelings of sadness, anger, or guilt, therapy provides a space to slow down, explore your emotions, and rebuild connection with intention.

Our work may draw from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to help you align with your values as a parent and partner, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) to process unresolved emotional pain, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to reframe unhelpful thought patterns, or Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) to cultivate calm and presence in your daily life. Each approach is tailored to your unique needs, helping you feel more grounded and emotionally attuned to yourself and your family.

You don’t have to face this journey alone. With specialized experience in paternal postpartum depression and relationship-focused therapy, I offer a space where you can communicate openly, strengthen your bond with your partner, and rediscover your sense of self in this new chapter. Reach out today to begin healing—not just as a father, but as a person who deserves understanding, support, and connection.