Depression hitting different since becoming a dad

May 11·1 min read

Had depression before but it was manageable. Now with two kids it feels like it came back harder. I'm irritable all the time, don't enjoy stuff I used to, and I'm exhausted constantly. Wife is amazing but I don't want to burden her more. Started therapy last month and it's helping a bit but I'm wondering if I should talk to my doctor about medication. Anyone been through this?

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Comments(4)

JJakeNew DadMay 11

This right here. I had depression before kids and thought I'd dealt with it. Two kids in and it came back like a ton of bricks but worse because I'm supposed to be the stable one. You're not alone in this.

PPhilRegularMay 12

When it comes back harder as a parent it hits different because now you've got witnesses to your struggle. I had to accept that getting help for this was actually the best parenting I could do.

MMiguelRegularMay 12

The exhaustion of parenting two kids makes depression so much harder to fight. You're already running on empty and then depression drains the last tank. Have you been able to get any help with this?

DDerek P.RegularMay 12

Talk to your doctor if you haven't already. This isn't weakness and it's not something you just push through with positive thinking.