Episode 531: Do Dads Get Postpartum Depression, Too?

Becoming a father doesn’t just change a man’s brain. It can also change his sense of identity, his mental health, and his relationships. Fatherhood can bring profound meaning and connection, but it can also introduce new sources of stress, vulnerability, and conflict that we don’t always talk about. So how does becoming a dad change men psychologically? And what do men stand to gain from being more deeply involved in parenting?

I am joined once again by Darby Saxbe, a clinical psychologist and tenured full professor of psychology at the University of Southern California. She has published over eighty scientific articles in peer-reviewed journals. Her research focuses on the transition to parenthood, particularly the neural and hormonal underpinnings of fatherhood. Her latest book is titled Dad Brain: The New Science of Fatherhood and How It Shapes Men’s Lives.

Some of the specific topics we cover include:

• How does becoming a dad transform men psychologically?
• How common are mental health struggles among new fathers?
• Why is becoming a parent so challenging for couples?
• How can engaged fatherhood improve men’s health?

You can visit Darby's website to learn more about Dad Brain and follow her on Instagram @darbysaxbephd

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