NEW YORK CITY — Zachary Fox, a stay-at-home father in New York City, was diagnosed with postpartum depression by his physician after the birth of his son. Fox underwent a treatment plan that included the prescription SSRI Lexapro, both individual and couples therapy, and sharing his experience with other fathers.

In the days following his son's birth, Fox experienced hopelessness and a loss of joy. He felt that his life had changed and that he no longer understood who he was. His focus shifted away from the hobbies that had defined him.

When his son was five weeks old, Fox spent five days alone in New York City. During that period, he visited a movie theater and biked across the George Washington Bridge.

The birth had taken place in a Manhattan hospital room. His wife, Liv, underwent labor induction with Pitocin — a synthetic hormone used to induce labor — at 3 a.m. During the delivery, Liv's epidural partially failed, causing her to feel pain. An epidural is anesthesia delivered inside the spinal canal through a plastic tube. For six weeks before their son was born, Liv had been on maternity leave from work.

Fox's physician prescribed Lexapro, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, to address his symptoms. He attended individual therapy sessions as well as couples therapy sessions with Liv. Sharing his feelings with others was another component of his treatment plan.

As a stay-at-home parent, Fox now spends 12 hours a day caring for his toddler on days when the afternoon nap is not guaranteed. During an earlier phase when nap times were more consistent, his daily caregiving hours totaled closer to 10. The family celebrated their son's second birthday when the boy turned two.

Fox has since shared his story with fathers-to-be at a weekly dad class, discussing paternal postpartum depression with men preparing for the transition to parenthood.