Depression after my son was born - nobody talks about postpartum dad stuff

1w ago1 min read

Baby is 4 months old and I've been struggling hard. Everything feels heavy. I love my son but I don't feel happy about any of it. Sex life is gone, my wife is exhausted all the time, I'm exhausted, money is tight because she's not working. I feel like I'm failing at everything. Mentioned it to my doctor last week and he's getting me set up with someone to talk to. Kinda embarrassed to admit this but I needed to put it somewhere. Any dads been through postpartum depression? Does it get better?

7 comments155 views

Comments(7)

MMikeRegular1w ago

Postpartum dad depression is real and it's criminally underdiagnosed. Have you talked to your wife about how you're feeling? Sometimes just getting it out there helps.

CChristopher M.New Dad1w ago

Man, what you're describing is real and valid. Postpartum depression doesn't get nearly enough attention for dads. Please talk to your doctor about how you're feeling - that heaviness you're carrying doesn't have to be permanent.

MMarcus J.Regular1w ago

The fact that you love your son but can't feel the joy yet tells me this is chemical, not about your parenting. Getting support isn't weakness - it's the best thing you can do for yourself and your family.

RRuben A.Regular1w ago

Four months in with everything changed is brutal. I remember feeling like I was supposed to just be happy automatically, but that's not how it works. You're not alone in this struggle.

JJosh M.Regular1w ago

Man, thank you for posting this. I had the same thing after my daughter was born and felt so alone. Everyone wants to talk about mom stuff but when dad's struggling nobody knows what to do. You're not alone in this.

SScott M.Regular1w ago

The fact that you love your son but still feel this way is so normal and doesn't make you a bad dad. Those things aren't mutually exclusive. Get some support, okay? Your family needs you healthy.

CChris T.Regular1w ago

Four months in and everything still feeling heavy is something to talk to your doctor about. Could be postpartum depression, could be sleep deprivation, could be both. But don't just push through it. Get checked out.