193. Men’s Mental Health & Fatherhood with Dr. Dan Singley

This week on How Long ’Til Bedtime?, we’re continuing our recognition of Men’s Mental Health Month with an important and timely conversation about paternal postpartum depression, postpartum anxiety in fathers, and the overall mental health challenges new dads face.

Sleep and wellness coach Allison Egidi is joined by Dr. Daniel Singley, a San Diego-based clinical psychologist, board-certified in cognitive behavioral therapy, and the founder of the Center for Men’s Excellence. With over 20 years of clinical experience, Dr. Singley specializes in reproductive psychology and supporting men through the transition to fatherhood.

Following last week’s personal story with Christopher Rose, this episode offers a broader, expert-led perspective on why mental health for new fathers needs more attention—and what we can do about it.

In this episode, Dr. Singley shares:

• Why men’s mental health during the postpartum period is often overlooked

• The most common symptoms of paternal postpartum depression and anxiety (and how they differ from maternal symptoms)

• How invisibility during pregnancy and postpartum affects dads’ emotional well-being

• Risk factors that make some fathers more vulnerable to postnatal mental health struggles

• Practical ways partners, friends, and professionals can support struggling dads

• How workplace policies, paternity leave, and cultural shifts can better support mental health in fathers

• Accessible resources for dads who may be hesitant to seek therapy
  
  

Key Takeaways:

• Around 1 in 10 fathers experience postpartum depression, and even more experience postpartum anxiety—yet many remain undiagnosed and unsupported.

• Symptoms of male postpartum depression may include anger, irritability, withdrawal, substance use, or even physical symptoms like headaches and chest pain.

• When one parent is struggling, there's a 50% chance the other is too—proving the need for a whole-family approach to perinatal mental health care. 

Resources Mentioned:

• Center for Men's Excellence
  
  

• Postpartum Support International – Offers support groups for fathers
  
  

 Click here to watch or listen on YouTube  

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