Anxiety after becoming a dad is ruining me

1w ago1 min read

My son is 4 months old and I'm having constant intrusive thoughts about something bad happening to him. I can't sleep even when he's sleeping because I keep checking if he's breathing. My wife thinks I'm being paranoid but it's not just worry, it's this overwhelming feeling I can't control. Started researching postpartum anxiety in dads and apparently it's real but nobody talks about it. Anyone else dealt with this?

10 comments230 views

Comments(10)

JJoshNew Dad6d ago

This hits different when you're a new dad. The constant worry about something happening to them is real, but those intrusive thoughts don't mean you're a bad parent or that something will actually happen. They're just your brain in overdrive protecting someone you love. Talk to someone professional if you haven't already - it made a huge difference for me.

DDerekNew Dad1w ago

Four months is brutal territory. You're sleep deprived, hormones are all over the place if you're the primary caregiver, and your brain is trying to protect this tiny human. The fact that you're reaching out about it shows you care deeply. Please consider talking to someone. This doesn't have to be your normal.

MMiguelRegular1w ago

Those thoughts are brutal but they're actually pretty normal for new dads. The fact that you care this much already shows you're going to be a great dad. Definitely worth reaching out to someone professional though.

BBrandonNew Dad1w ago

The intrusive thoughts at 4 months are brutal. That's postpartum anxiety and it's way more common than people realize. You're not a bad dad for having these thoughts. Getting help is the strongest thing you can do right now. Please reach out to someone.

MMike C.Regular1w ago

This is something a lot of us deal with and don't talk about. Please reach out to your doctor or a therapist. You don't have to white knuckle through this alone.

BBrandonNew Dad1w ago

Man, I'm dealing with similar stuff right now with my 4-month-old. The intrusive thoughts are brutal. Have you talked to your doctor about postpartum anxiety? It's more common than people realize and there's actual help for it. You're not alone in this.

DDanielRegular1w ago

Intrusive thoughts are the worst. I had them bad with my first kid. The thing that helped me most was understanding that having the thought doesn't make you a bad person or mean it'll happen. Easier said than done I know, but therapy really helped me separate the anxiety from reality.

CCarlos M.New Dad1w ago

I'm right there with you man. My daughter is 4 months old too and I have the same intrusive thoughts constantly. It's absolutely exhausting. Have you talked to your pediatrician or your own doctor about this? I finally did and it made a huge difference just knowing I'm not losing my mind.

CChristopher M.New Dad1w ago

Four months in and those intrusive thoughts are so real. I'm dealing with similar stuff right now. Have you talked to your doctor about postpartum anxiety? It's more common than people think and there's actual help available.

DDanielRegular1w ago

This is real and you're not alone. New dad anxiety hit me hard too. The constant what-ifs nearly drove me crazy until I realized I needed to talk to someone about it. It's not weakness, it's survival.