Postpartum Depression (PPD) is a serious illness that impacts the entire family. Without effective intervention it can cause great suffering and serious damage to families. In rare cases it can lead to suicide or murder. However, in most cases, with proper treatment and support, a woman and her family can fully recover from PPD. This website is intended to help dads and families by providing firsthand information and guidance through the experience of PPD. This site also includes information and resources that can be used by professionals to assist families dealing with PPD. We hope that you find the information on this website useful and we welcome comments and suggestions.
Tara,
I think if you were to talk to my wife she would tell you that she firmly believes the depression she suffered was caused by the hormonal changes she experienced while stopping breastfeeding. She was doing great the first 3 months, spiraled down to a low point after stopping breastfeeding, took medication to help recover, and is doing fantastic now. The same cycle repeated with our second child.
Obviously this is not the case for all women. All women face different circumstances and need different types of support and resources. My goal is to help dads understand what they may be up against and try to support them.
My biggest concern is many women do not get any help and suffer depression that could be treated. This often destroys the family and causes damage that could be avoided. I hope that we can remove the stigma surrounding PPD so that it’s not an insult to suggest that someone may need medication to recover like my wife did.