By Patricio Robayo

As millions prepare to celebrate Father’s Day this Sunday, mental health professionals are calling attention to a lesser-known reality facing thousands of new fathers: paternal postpartum depression.

Often overshadowed by maternal mental health discussions, paternal postpartum depression affects approximately 1 in 10 new dads, according to Postpartum Support International (PSI). When a partner is also experiencing postpartum depression, that figure increases to a staggering 1 in 2.

“This is not just a women’s issue. This is a public mental health issue,” said Dr. Dan Singley, a psychologist specializing in men’s mental health and director of The Center for Men’s Excellence. “And too many dads are suffering in silence.”

Warning Signs Often Missed

During a recent interview with Radio Catskill, Dr. Singley explained that male depression—particularly after the birth of a child—often goes undetected. While traditional symptoms like sadness and lethargy can appear, many men experience less obvious signs: irritability, anger, isolation, excessive work, substance abuse, or even compulsive behaviors like gambling or video gaming.

“Men tend to somaticize,” Dr. Singley noted, referring to the phenomenon where emotional pain manifests as physical symptoms. “Chest tightness, headaches, digestive issues—these can be signs of unspoken emotional distress.”

Unlike mothers, who are routinely screened for postpartum depression, fathers rarely receive formal mental health evaluations during pediatric visits or postnatal check-ups.

Social Norms and Silence

Experts say one of the biggest barriers to treatment is cultural. The prevailing stereotype of fathers as stoic providers often prevents them from seeking help—or even recognizing their own symptoms.

“As men, we’re taught to protect, provide, and sacrifice,” Dr. Singley told me. “But no one tells us that sometimes we’ll need others to protect and support us. That’s where the stigma lies.”

The stigma extends beyond the doctor’s office. On social media, memes that mock male vulnerability often circulate widely—messages like “Deal with it, no one cares”—which reinforce silence and shame around men's mental health.

“I’ve heard from dads who feel they have no right to feel overwhelmed because their partner is the one physically recovering from childbirth,” said Singley. “But this isn’t a competition of who has it worse. It’s about identifying when someone needs help.”

Shared Struggles at Home

One of the more sobering statistics: when a mother is experiencing postpartum depression, the likelihood that her partner is also struggling jumps to 50%.

“That doesn’t mean one causes the other,” Dr. Singley clarified. “It speaks to how deeply interconnected co-parents are. When one is struggling, the other often is too.”

The positive side of that equation? Recovery can be contagious. “When one partner starts to heal, the other often follows. Mental health lifts the whole household.”

Resources and Support

To raise awareness, PSI marks the day after Father’s Day—June 16 this year—as International Father’s Mental Health Day. The goal is to shatter the stigma and connect dads with accessible resources. No diagnosis is required to seek help.

PSI offers a range of free services, including a helpline (1-800-944-4773), text support, and weekly online groups tailored specifically for dads. Their website, postpartum.net, also features a dedicated section for fathers, including tools to find therapists trained in paternal mental health.

“Sometimes just logging into a group and listening is enough to start the journey,” Dr. Singley said. “You don’t even have to speak. You just have to show up.”

A Message for Dads

Dr. Singley says to any new father reading this: you're not alone. You’re not weak. And you’re not broken. You’re going through one of life’s biggest transitions, and it’s okay to struggle. What matters is what you do next.

If you know a dad who seems off—withdrawn, short-tempered, distant—Dr. Singley offers this simple advice: “Ask him how he’s doing. Then ask again.”

In the days surrounding Father’s Day, amid the celebrations and cards, it’s worth remembering that being a strong father doesn’t mean carrying the weight in silence. Sometimes, it means having the courage to say, “I need help.”

In this "Meet the Candidates" episode, Patricio sits down with Tim Dymond, a longtime Sullivan County resident and recently retired senior investigator with the New York State Police. With more than 20 years of law enforcement experience—including service with both the NYPD and State Police—Dymond discusses why he's running for Sullivan County Sheriff.

He outlines a detailed platform focused on modernization, community engagement, and tackling urgent local issues like the opioid epidemic. Dymond also addresses bail reform, transparency in law enforcement, and his vision for building a more connected and accountable sheriff’s office. This candid conversation offers voters a clear look at the values and plans behind Dymond’s campaign.

In this "Meet the Candidates" interview, we sit down with Sullivan County Sheriff Mike Schiff as he seeks re-election. Sheriff Schiff reflects on his extensive tenure since 2006, outlining the key initiatives he's led to improve public safety, such as implementing drone technology, launching a dedicated emergency services unit, and enhancing youth engagement programs.

He directly addresses recent allegations circulating on social media, calling them baseless, and details the internal reviews and policy safeguards in place. Schiff also shares insights on law enforcement’s role in the opioid crisis, the use of new tools like Bearcats and license plate readers, and his views on ICE and immigration issues.

This candid conversation highlights his plans for deepening community trust and the continued modernization of local policing. Don't miss this opportunity to hear directly from the candidate on the issues that matter most to Sullivan County voters.