Depression hit different after becoming a dad

Jun 21·1 min read

I've dealt with depression before but postpartum hit me different. I love my kids but I'm empty inside. I go through the motions, feed them, take them to activities, but I feel like I'm watching my life from outside of it. The worst part is feeling guilty about not being present emotionally even though I'm physically there. I haven't told anyone because dads aren't supposed to struggle with this stuff right? But I'm tired of pretending I'm fine. Anyone else been here?

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Comments(3)

MMikeRegularJun 23

That emptiness while loving them so much is the hardest part to explain to people. You're not broken. Your brain chemistry is just struggling under enormous changes. There's medication and therapy that actually works for this.

JJosephNew DadJun 22

Postpartum depression is no joke and it's legit different from your previous depression. The hormones, the sleep deprivation, the identity crisis all at once - it's a perfect storm. Please talk to your doctor if you haven't already.

AAdam R.RegularJun 22

The fact that you can articulate this tells me you're still fighting. That matters. Reach out to someone today - your wife, your doctor, a crisis line. You don't have to feel empty forever.