More fathers in Singapore seeking help for postnatal depression, say counsellors

SINGAPORE – Postnatal depression is usually associated with mothers, but the condition can also afflict fathers.

Counsellors said that more fathers in Singapore are seeking help for their own mental health after their child’s birth.

Clarity Singapore, a Catholic mental health charity, began offering professional therapy services for paternal mental health in 2024.

Ms Cindy Khong, a senior counsellor at Clarity Singapore, said that fathers can experience changes in hormonal levels that mirror those of mothers.

Ms Khong added that fathers can also be affected if their wives suffer from depression, due to less positive spousal support that is linked to lower relationship satisfaction.

Dr Silvia Wetherell, a psychotherapist at Alliance Counselling, noted that partners of women with postpartum depression are more susceptible to the condition.

“Sometimes they don’t know where to turn; they don’t know how to help their wives. It can get really, really scary, and they feel so powerless,” she said.

“They’re trying to help by carrying the baby, helping them with practical things. But sometimes that’s just not enough, and I feel they’re too alone in this.”

Alliance Counselling has hired a male counsellor who focuses on fathers’ mental health and is starting a support group for fathers in 2025.

Their team has grown from three specialists in 2021 to 10 in 2025 to meet the rising demand for postpartum depression cases.

While conducting sessions for mothers with postpartum depression, Ms Radhika Haralalka, a psychologist from The Other Clinic, said that they often ask fathers to also seek professional help.

“What we notice is that the dad is struggling too. He is going through sleep deprivation as well, which really plays havoc with our mental health,” she said.

“Even if they’re not finding the transition tough, it’s tough for them to hold that space for their wives, and they would probably need someone to support that too.”

Noting that fathers do not have as much paternity leave compared with maternity leave, Ms Radhika said that they may find it tough to handle a full-time job and the transition at home.

Also, fathers may feel that the relationship with their wives has changed after a baby arrives.

Ms Radhika said the couple’s conversations may be interrupted by their baby’s needs, house chores and other life responsibilities.

Counsellors urged fathers struggling during the postpartum period to seek help.

Ms Radhika said postpartum depression in men can show up as irritability or rage.

Ms Khong said that new fathers or husbands experiencing stress during the childbirth journey often withdraw socially or use avoidant activities such as overworking to cope, instead of seeking professional help.

Clarity Singapore’s executive director Anne Pillai said the charity aims to reduce the stigma surrounding fathers seeking help by sharing personal stories. It has an upcoming podcast, The Birth Of A Mother, which also discusses the importance of fathers seeking help after their child’s birth.

Ms Pillai said: “The podcasts aim to kick-start and normalise conversations about the hidden pressure fathers face and the growing need to care for paternal mental health.”