Transitioning to fatherhood: Prospective effects of wellbeing on future depression symptoms.

O'Connor, E. J., Zajac, I. T., Brindal, E., & Kakoschke, N. (2025). Transitioning to fatherhood: Prospective effects of wellbeing on future depression symptoms. Journal of affective disorders, 371, 147–155. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2024.10.102

When it comes to men’s mental health, fatherhood is a topic that often doesn’t get the attention it deserves. That’s why I was intrigued by a soon-to-be-published study from the highly reputable Journal of Affective Disorders (yes, it’s already available online as of November 23, 2024!). Even more surprising? This study was funded by the CSIRO—an organization most of us associate with science and technology, not mental health research. Who knew they’re making strides in this space?

Fatherhood is a challenging journey, and this study set out to understand whether men’s mental health before conception could influence their post-natal outcomes. It’s already well-known that around 10% of new fathers experience clinical levels of depression during the post-natal period, with potential emotional and developmental repercussions for their children. This makes the prevention of paternal depression a key public health goal.

The research focused on the concept of “wellbeing”—a broader measure of mental health that includes positive emotionality and functionality, not just the absence of depression. Previous studies have shown that men with a history of mental health disorders, particularly those with recurrent episodes in adolescence and young adulthood, are at greater risk of depression when they become fathers. This new study explores how wellbeing and pre-conception mental health shape those outcomes.

The study’s lead author, Ed O’Connor, brings both professional and personal experience to the table. As a mental health researcher and emergency services worker, O’Connor was inspired by his own challenges during fatherhood to investigate how positive mental health could foster resilience in new dads.

The researchers analyzed data from the Ten to Men study, a large-scale Australian project tracking men’s health over time. They focused on two groups: 350 men who provided data both before conception and during the postnatal period, and 427 men who contributed data during the postnatal period and beyond infancy.

Depressive symptoms before conception were the strongest predictor of postnatal depression. For every one-point increase in depressive symptoms pre-conception, the likelihood of moderate-to-severe postnatal depression rose by 19%.

Wellbeing—defined by factors like personal health, relationships, community connections, and future security—played a protective role. Higher levels of wellbeing before conception were associated with fewer depressive symptoms postnatally. For every one-unit increase in wellbeing, depressive symptom scores dropped by 1.2%, and the risk of moderate-to-severe depression fell by 10%.

While this study offers valuable insights into an underrepresented population, it’s important to note a few limitations. The observational nature of the study means causality cannot be established. Some fatherhood-specific risk factors—like intentions to have a child or access to paid parental leave—weren’t explored. Factors such as maternal mental health and conception difficulties were not included.

This study highlights the importance of supporting men’s mental health not just after their child is born, but even before conception. By fostering positive wellbeing and addressing mental health challenges early, we can help new fathers navigate the emotional demands of fatherhood and create healthier outcomes for families as a whole.

As a society, we’re finally beginning to understand that mental health is a lifelong journey—and this research is a step in the right direction for men’s health and public health policy alike.