Post natal depression in women is a widely recognized condition, but a lesser-known condition is male post natal depression. The main reason that this condition is lesser known is that men often find it difficult to talk about. Some men do not realize that they are suffering from the condition.

Post natal depression has been linked to an increase in depression in a large number of men. Male post natal depression sometimes occurs as a reaction when a man's female partner is suffering from post natal depression. Many men have claimed that coping with their partner’s depression leaves them feeling overwhelmed, isolated, and stigmatized.

According to health workers, male post natal depression has led to the breakup of many marriages. A vast majority of breakups occur after the birth of a child. Many couples are not aware that post natal depression is the cause of the breakup.

A great many women hide their post natal depression to the extent that their partners are not aware of the reason behind their mood swings. The female's depression can be transferred to the male, sometimes causing suicidal tendencies in the male.

Another reason for male post natal depression is that many men find it difficult to cope with the birth of a child. The new addition to the family can be stressful, especially if the male has to work during the day and cope with the child at night. This type of male post natal depression is independent from female depression. While female post natal depression is thought to be hormonal, the male condition is considered more physical.

One of the biggest problems for men when it comes to male post natal depression is a lack of support. There are numerous support groups and much help available for women, but there is practically nowhere for depressed fathers to turn. In addition, men have historically been reluctant to talk about this type of depression, and statistics regarding male post natal depression have only recently highlighted the problem.

Symptoms of male post natal depression can include feelings of isolation and mood swings. There may also be work related problems, and substance abuse may develop as a symptom. Other symptoms of male post natal depression may manifest themselves as lethargy, anxiety attacks, loss of sex drive, difficulty in concentration, headaches, and stomach pains. If these symptoms appear, it is important that they are taken seriously, and a doctor should be consulted. More and more support groups are starting to appear as the problems of male post natal depression are becoming recognized.