I used to think I was doing okay but honestly the last few months have been rough. I put on a good face for the kids but when I'm alone I just feel empty. I'm not sleeping great, lost interest in stuff I used to enjoy, and the thought of another day feels heavy. My dad never talked about this stuff so I don't even know who to tell. Anyone been through something similar? Just looking for some perspective.
I get it man, that good face thing is real. You're doing the right thing reaching out here instead of just bottling it up. Have you talked to your wife about what you're going through, or is that hard to do right now?
Those rough months are no joke. I'm still figuring out how to handle the mental load of being responsible for another human, so I hear you. You're not alone in feeling this way even though it probably feels like it.
I get this. The mask gets exhausting. With four kids I definitely have days where I'm running on fumes and trying to hold it together for everyone else. But you gotta take care of yourself too man. Have you considered talking to your doctor?
Rough times are real and parenting can pile on the pressure hard. What changed in the last few months? Sometimes talking through it helps, even if it's just venting to internet dads.
Thanks for being real about this. A lot of dads don't talk about it but depression is way more common than people think. Have you talked to anyone professional about what you're going through? There's no shame in it and it actually helps.
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Depression doesn't care that you're a good dad, it just shows up anyway. The fact that you're thinking about this stuff means you care about getting better, and that matters. Maybe talking to someone professional could help take some of that weight off.