Concerning Dads: Postpartum Depression in Fathers, an Unspoken Topic

1 in 5-7 mothers suffer from Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders, such as postpartum depression (PPD). But most pediatricians do not know that at least 1 in 10 fathers do as well. The lack of screening and treatment of these fathers can have massive negative impacts on the family, including poor bonding with the child (leading to long term mental health problems), divorce, domesttic violence and substance abuse to name a few. As a pediatrician and father who suffered from PPD with the birth of both of his children, I aim to lift the vale of this disease in order to educate fellow primary care pediatricians on the front lines.