The Challenge's Leroy Garrett Tackles Male Postpartum Depression

Men’s mental health isn’t a topic that gets much airtime, and male postpartum depression is even more neglected in conversations. But just because it’s not getting talked about doesn’t mean it’s not having an impact. According to a recent study, men continue to struggle with postpartum depression at alarming rates that largely remain undiagnosed and unaddressed.

In a rare look at male postpartum depression, The Challenge’s Leroy Garrett recently opened up about his own experience and struggles. “Male postpartum hit me like a ton of bricks. The high expectations about becoming a father is scary,” Garrett told People in an interview following the birth of his second child. “Therapy helps, and having a supportive partner gets you through the storm. It’s supposed to be the happiest day of your life [but] ends up being one of the scariest and [most] uncertain times of your life.”

Ahead of this week’s episode of The Challenge: All Stars Garrett filmed a joint confessional with his wife, Kam Williams, where he admitted that before going to therapy and being diagnosed, he didn’t even know men could get postpartum depression. “I always was against therapy and having someone to talk to. And it actually worked. It helped me build tools to get me through the process,” he said.

“And I’m so happy you communicated that with me because usually with men, they always have to hide their feelings and you just have to be tough and strong and we definitely had that vulnerable moment throughout our relationship,” Williams told Garrett in the video "Which I think just makes us even stronger.”

While Garrett admits he still struggles with worrying he won’t meet the expectations he has for himself as a father, he is doing better every day thanks to the support of other men and his daily mantra, “I’m a great dad, being a father is a blessing! My kids love me, and I love them. It’s all worth it in the end."

“Talking about my worries with other dads really helped me a lot. I learned to take it one day at a time, which is easier said than done,” Garrett added. “But I now embrace fatherhood and all its ups and downs. I have all the tools for baby #2.”

Researchers believe that Dad and Mom’s physical and mental health are more interconnected than we might think. Learn more about why mental health specialists believe addressing dad’s mental health may be the key to improving the US’ maternal mental health crisis.