"Whispered on Only the Darkest Corners of the Internet:": A Qualitative Descriptive Study Exploring Fathers' Experiences with Paternal Postpartum Depression on Reddit.

Abstract

At least 10% of fathers experience depressive symptoms during the postpartum period, yet they are often overlooked and under-supported. It is critical to understand paternal postpartum depression as it has been linked to serious consequences, such as increased suicide risk among fathers. Further, paternal postpartum depression influences the entire family unit as it has been associated with maternal mental health issues and negative father-infant interactions. Through a qualitative descriptive design, we aimed to (1) identify the factors that fathers report as contributors to their postpartum depression symptoms, and (2) examine the reported postpartum depression symptoms among fathers and the associated impacts on their lives. Using thematic analysis, we analyzed 63 anonymous Reddit posts by fathers about their paternal postpartum depression experiences. Contributors included: (1) altered role adjustment, (2) resource-demand imbalance, (3) challenging maternal and infant circumstances, and (4) disparate yet concurrent realities. Symptoms included: (1) cognitive-emotional, (2) somatic, and (3) masked. Impacts included: (1) fractured social connections, (2) diminished career satisfaction and performance, and (3) positive outcomes on the other side. Fathers experienced various contributors, symptoms, and impacts of paternal postpartum depression. There is a critical need to increase awareness of and support for paternal postpartum depression to increase overall postpartum family well-being.