Depression hit different when you have kids

2w ago1 min read

Had depression in my 20s but this is different. Back then I could just exist in my sadness for days. Now I have a 5 year old who needs breakfast and a 7 year old with soccer practice. I can't just check out. So I get up and do the things but I'm dead inside the whole time. Mornings are the worst. I wake up and the heaviness is just there immediately. Started medication and therapy again. My wife noticed something was off when I stopped joking around and just said I need to take care of this before it gets worse. Hardest part is not feeling guilty about struggling when my kids depend on me.

3 comments120 views

Comments(3)

DDerek M.Regular2w ago

This is so real. Your 20s depression was personal. Parenting depression hits different because you feel guilty on top of everything else. You feel like you're failing them even though you're trying your best.

CChrisRegular2w ago

You nailed it - depression as a parent is a completely different animal. When I'm struggling now, I can't just check out because there are three kids depending on me. That weight on top of the depression itself is brutal.

RRandy M.New Dad2w ago

Have you talked to your doctor about it? I resisted getting help for months after my daughter was born because I thought I should just be able to handle it. Therapy changed things for me once I actually asked for it.