Chinese Father Quits High-Paying Job to Raise Baby, Claims 'Postpartum Depression' After Divorce
A man in China gave up his lucrative job to become a full-time caregiver for his infant daughter, only to find himself overwhelmed by the physical and emotional toll. Now divorced from his unsupportive wife, he says he's suffering from what he describes as "postpartum depression."
The 32-year-old from Sichuan, known online as "Jasmine's Dad," used to earn 20,000 yuan (US$2,800) a month as a sales manager but now makes just 4,000 yuan through livestreaming baby products. With no help from grandparents or budget for a nanny, and his wife holding a stable government job, he decided to stay home after her maternity leave ended.
Since May 2023, he's taken on round-the-clock childcare, from early morning feedings and diaper changes to sleepless nights and hospital visits. He says constant physical strain from carrying his daughter has led to joint problems requiring wrist braces.
Tensions with his wife, who was rarely home and often critical, escalated until they divorced. He recently posted a video revealing he had been diagnosed with postpartum depression—a condition typically associated with new mothers but also seen in men as paternal postnatal depression.
He says he's felt little happiness in his new role, weighed down by societal pressure and family expectations, and admits he feels his life has "gone to waste." His story, which has gained over 4 million views online, has sparked debate about gender roles and mental health among parents in China.
Some commenters dismissed his feelings, saying men don't endure the physical hardships of childbirth. Others expressed support, noting that fathers also face steep emotional and physical learning curves.
Source:https://www.scmp.com/news/people-culture/gender-diversity/article/3307751/chinese-man-quits-top-job-care-baby-suffers-post-partum-depression-divorces-wife?module=perpetual_scroll_0&pgtype=article
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