Why a weekly check matters for new fathers
Becoming a parent is one of the biggest life transitions most people face—and fathers are not immune to perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. Current clinical summaries estimate roughly one in ten new fathers experience clinically significant depressive symptoms during the perinatal period; recognition and early action reduce harm to both the parent and family.
Major clinical organizations now recommend routine screening for perinatal mental health and emphasise that screening must be paired with clear pathways to follow-up, treatment, and crisis care. While most routine programs historically targeted birthing parents, recent research and practice guidance support including fathers in screening efforts to improve family outcomes.
This article gives you: a practical weekly checklist you can print and keep (a brief screen that fits into real life), how to score it, what to do if scores are concerning, and links to credible resources for immediate help.
A short, printable weekly screening workflow (fast + evidence‑based)
Practical approach used by many clinics: use a very brief 2‑item screen (PHQ‑2) as a weekly check-in; if the PHQ‑2 is positive, complete the full PHQ‑9 (printable versions are widely available). The PHQ‑2 is quick and sensitive when using a low threshold; the PHQ‑9 provides severity and identifies suicidal ideation (item 9). This stepped strategy balances feasibility with clinical value.
Printable weekly check (PHQ‑2 — 1 minute)
Ask yourself (thinking about the last 7 days):
- Little interest or pleasure in doing things? (Not at all / Several days / More than half the days / Nearly every day)
- Feeling down, depressed, or hopeless? (Not at all / Several days / More than half the days / Nearly every day)
Score each: Not at all = 0; Several days = 1; More than half the days = 2; Nearly every day = 3.
| PHQ‑2 total | Suggested next step |
|---|
| 0–1 | Low signal this week. Repeat the PHQ‑2 next week. If you feel worse at any point, move to the next step or call for help. |
| 2+ | Do the full PHQ‑9 now (complete, score, and follow guidance below). Consider sharing results with your primary care provider, OB/partner’s clinician, or a counselor. |
Why this works: multiple studies show the PHQ‑2 followed by PHQ‑9 for positives is an efficient workflow; when used with a low threshold (≥2) it catches most cases while keeping the weekly check short. Use the full PHQ‑9 if you score ≥2 or if any symptom intensifies.
Printable full screen: If the PHQ‑2 is positive, download/print the full PHQ‑9 (official printable forms and translations are available from PHQ‑9 resources). The PHQ‑9 includes a specific item about suicidal thoughts — if that item is present at all, follow the urgent steps below.
What to do if the weekly check flags risk — step‑by‑step
Use these steps right away if your weekly check (PHQ‑2 ≥2) or the PHQ‑9 suggests moderate to severe depression, or if you have thoughts of self‑harm.
- Assess immediate safety. If you have any thoughts of hurting yourself or others, or feel you might act on them, call 911 now or contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (call or text 988 in the U.S.). 988 is available 24/7 and connects you to trained crisis counselors. If you cannot make the call, ask someone trusted to call for you.
- Contact a clinician the same day. For non‑emergent but concerning scores (PHQ‑9 total ≥10), contact your primary care provider, available behavioral‑health clinic, or employee assistance program for a same‑week appointment. If you do not have a provider, the PHQ‑9 resources and many health systems include treatment locators.
- Use specialized perinatal resources. If you want parent‑focused support and referrals, organizations that focus on perinatal mental health include Postpartum Support International (which lists dad‑specific resources and helplines) and national maternal mental‑health hotlines that accept partner calls. These services can help locate clinicians with perinatal experience.
- Make a short safety plan and reduce immediate triggers. Ask a trusted person to stay with you or to check in frequently, lock up any lethal means if present, reduce alcohol/drug use, and schedule a clinician contact. If you have been prescribed medication previously, follow dosing and do not stop abruptly without medical advice. (Clinicians can help create an agreed safety plan in one visit.)
- Follow up and get evidence‑based care. Treatments that work include brief psychotherapy (CBT or interpersonal therapy), medication when indicated, and peer‑support programs. Early treatment improves outcomes for the parent and family. When in doubt, contacting a primary care clinician, a therapist experienced in adult or perinatal mental health, or your health system’s behavioral health access line is the right next step.
Script to call a clinician (copy/paste): “Hi — I’m a new father. I completed a brief screening and my score suggests moderate‑to‑severe depression. I need an urgent behavioral‑health or same‑week appointment and advice about next steps.”
Putting the weekly check into real life — tips, privacy, and next steps
How to make this stick: pick one routine habit (e.g., Sunday night after baby’s bedtime) to do the two‑question check. Keep a printed copy on the fridge or in your phone’s notes app. If the test is positive, complete the PHQ‑9 the same day.
- Privacy: Keep the printout in a private folder or use a secure notes app if you don’t want paper around the house. If you do share results with a clinician, they can help you build a safe plan and connect to services.
- Work & benefits: many employers offer Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) and short‑term counseling benefits — check HR if you need quick access to therapy or time off.
- When to repeat: there’s no one universally mandated screening interval for all adults; weekly PHQ‑2 checks are pragmatic for the early postpartum months and tapered according to how you and your clinician decide. The key is pairing screening with a plan for action.
Final note: screening is not a diagnosis. A positive screen is a prompt to act — either by getting a full assessment, arranging therapy, or seeking crisis help. Taking a weekly minute to check-in protects you, your partner, and your child by catching problems early and connecting you to care. If you want, download the PHQ‑9 printable now and keep both the two‑question weekly card and the full form where you can find them.
