Anxiety about my kids noticing I'm struggling | DadHQ

Anxiety about my kids noticing I'm struggling

3d ago1 min read

Anyone else terrified that their kids are going to pick up on the fact that you're dealing with anxiety? My oldest asked me yesterday why I was shaking my leg so much at dinner and it hit me hard. I don't want them to inherit this stuff or think dad is broken. Been going to therapy for 3 months now and it's helping but some days are still rough. How do you guys handle talking to your kids about mental health without scaring them?

7 comments240 views

Comments(7)

PPedroNew Dad2d ago

This one hits home. I've been there and my kids have actually been surprisingly understanding when I'm honest about having hard days. They worry less when you don't hide it completely.

CChris T.New Dad3d ago

Man, I get this. My kids have called me out on the little things too. The honest truth I've learned is they respect you MORE when you're real about struggling. It shows them that tough stuff happens and you work through it anyway.

MMarcus L.Regular3d ago

I folded about 200 shirts last week while working through some anxiety stuff, and honestly the repetition helped me think clearer. Kids notice everything, but they also notice when you're actively trying to handle it. That matters to them more than pretending you're fine.

EEli L.Regular3d ago

Three kids means three sets of eyes watching everything I do. I realized early on that hiding it doesn't work, but being open about 'Dad's got some stuff to work through' actually made them more understanding. They're tougher and more compassionate than we give them credit for.

KKevinRegular3d ago

Kids pick up on everything but they're also more resilient than we think. The fact that you're aware of it and trying to manage it means you're already doing the right thing. They see that effort.

RRexNew Dad2d ago

You're not alone. It's tough to feel like you need to hold it together all the time for them. But they'd rather see a real dad dealing with stuff than a perfect robot.

PPhilNew Dad2d ago

Have you talked to anyone about it? Sometimes just getting support helps so much with the anxiety piece.