A JAMA Pediatrics study published in June of 2025, highlights Paternal mental health as "an important target for prevention and early intervention to support the well-being of fathers and next-generation offspring" It found that “Men are at risk of increased mental distress during the transition to fatherhood." The study highlights PATERNAL DEPRESSION, ANXIETY AND ELEVATED STRESS, and "the importance of supporting fathers if we want to see better outcomes for families.” See the study here: Paternal Perinatal Depression, Anxiety, and Stress and Child Development
In this episode, we talk to Founder of Dads with Wisdom.Adam Angel, a licensed clinical social worker with over 15 years of experience working with youth, adults, and families.
Dads With Wisdom seeks to build on men's knowledge, skills and instincts of fatherhood by placing Soon-to-be dads, first-time dads, and experienced dads into FACILITATED support groups to SHARE THEIR EXPERIENCES.
With pregnancy, labor and delivery and new fatherhood, Adam explains how, for some men, the sense of responsibility coupled with the inability to control the situation can lead to feelings of helplessness and sometimes, trauma. This trauma, can lead to anxiety and depression. Adam creates a space to help dads share their feelings and deal with, or avoid these outcomes.
As Adam puts it: "Men want to be the rock, but they need a mountain to support them...and that mountain is other men who understand, validate, and normalize their feelings and concerns."
Terms like paternal postpartum depression and anxiety are real and can have dramatic effects on dads and families. Just like with moms, dads need to hear that they are not alone in these feelings. Human connection in new parenthood can be the key to our progress.
HIGHLIGHTS:
08:55 Structure and Dynamics of Dad Support Groups
13:27 The Emotional Impact of Birth on Dads21:00 Navigating Postpartum Depression in Men
25:50 Lessons for Sons and Rites of Passage
27:50 The Role of Mentors in Parenting
28:52 The Pressure of Parenting and Cultural Shifts
32:31 Co-Parenting Challenges and Realities
Find Adam here: https://www.dadswithwisdom.com/
For therapy: https://www.adamangeltherapy.com/
Adam's PSI Interview: https://postpartum.net/discussing-dads-and-early-parenthood-with-adam-angel-founder-of-dads-with-wisdom/
Dan Singley, Ph.D.: Director of The Center for Men’s Excellence. His research and practice focus on men’s mental health with a particular emphasis on reproductive psychology and the transition to fatherhood. https://www.menexcel.com/
Visit us at Mamistad.com for more info about Mamistad and to learn more about Mamistad groups! As always, if you're a new mom, even if it's not with Mamistad, please find your MAMA TRIBE.
Visit MOM CHAT WITH MAMISTAD for a full list of all episodes.
Thank you - YOU are appreciated! Take care of each other.
Mamistad,
Cynthia
~Women are incredible, Moms are limitless, and a Sisterhood of Moms is a force of nature.
Information on this podcast is for general information purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for medical care, to diagnose medical conditions, or to prescribe treatment for any specific health condition. We encourage anyone to seek help from a qualified medical professional where issues deem it necessary. No liability is assumed.
