Rob Sandler couldn’t wait to welcome his son Asher to the family, but remembers how his feelings changed shortly after the child was born.

“It became an overwhelming feeling,” said Sandler. “I felt like I lost control of my life.”

It turns out that Sandler had developed a form of postpartum depression.

Postpartum depression is one of the most common complications for women during and after pregnancy, but one out of every four new fathers may also experience symptoms.

Psychotherapists say mixing feelings of increased financial stress, lack of sleep and hormonal changes can lead to depression.

“It's a double whammy. Not only do our testosterone levels go down, but our estrogen levels go up, and these female hormones coursing through our body can really wreck havoc on a man's functioning,” said Dr. Will Courtenay.

Courtenay recommends seeking professional help for those who think they may be suffering from postpartum depression.

Sandler received therapy and started taking antidepressants.

Now he can’t wait to spend time with his baby.

“It’s night and day how I feel, and I know that's only going to get better as he gets older,” said Sandler.

Men, like women, suffer postpartum depression that can be mild, moderate, or severe that often goes unrecognized and untreated.

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