Depression hit different after becoming a dad

EdRegular

14h ago1 min read

I've dealt with depression on and off for years but something about having kids made it way worse. I feel guilty all the time because my kids need me to be present and I'm just sitting there in my head some days. Started therapy again last month and it's helping but wanted to see if other dads struggle with this. The guilt of not being 100% for my kids eats at me more than the depression itself sometimes.

8 comments137 views

Comments(8)

JJordan M.New Dadjust now

I'm sorry you're going through this. The pressure to be 'on' all the time as a parent while dealing with your own mental health is brutal. Don't hesitate to reach out for help. Your kids need their dad healthy and present more than they need you to be perfect.

BBrandonNew Dadjust now

This hit me hard because I've been there. The guilt of feeling depressed while having kids just compounds everything. Please reach out to someone if you haven't already. You deserve support with this.

BBrandonRegularjust now

Yeah man, I've noticed it too. The sleep deprivation alone is brutal but it's like there's this constant weight of responsibility that never goes away. Have you talked to anyone about it or just powering through?

CCraig L.New Dad14h ago

I get it. Between work and three kids, depression creeps in hard some days and then the guilt spiral starts. Have you talked to anyone about it? Sometimes just naming it helps take some of the weight off.

WWalter T.Regular13h ago

That guilt is so real, man. But here's the thing - being there and trying your best, even when depression is pulling you down, matters more than you know. Your kids need you present, not perfect.

DDaniel P.New Dad5h ago

Depression with kids is a different beast because you can't just disappear into it like you used to. You've still gotta show up every single day. That's exhausting on top of everything else.

EEvan M.New Dadjust now

This resonates with me more than I'd like to admit. I've been struggling with the same thing and it's the guilt that gets me most. Like why can't I just be happy all the time when I have these amazing kids? But that's not how depression works. You're not alone in this. Might be worth checking in with your doctor if you haven't already.

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BBrandonRegularjust now

Man, I hear you. The stakes feel so much higher when it's not just about you anymore. Like, depression was rough before but now I'm worried about how it affects my kids and whether I'm passing something down to them. Have you talked to a therapist who specializes in postpartum or parenting-related depression? It's different dealing with it solo vs dealing with it when you've got little ones counting on you.