Depression is making parenting feel impossible

Feb 281 min read

I was diagnosed with depression about 6 months ago and some days I can barely get out of bed. My kids still need breakfast and clean clothes and help with homework and I feel like I'm failing at all of it. The guilt on top of the depression makes everything heavier. My wife is supportive but I can see the stress in her eyes. I'm in therapy and on meds but progress is slow. Anyone else dealing with depression while trying to be present as a parent? It feels so isolating.

10 comments227 views

Comments(10)

BBen M.RegularMar 2

Some days just getting out of bed IS the win. Your kid doesn't need a perfect version of you, they need the real version of you showing up and doing your best. That's enough on the hard days.

JJason T.RegularMar 2

I won't sugarcoat it, depression is one of the hardest things to fight while being a parent. But you reaching out here means you're already fighting back. That's something.

BBrandonNew DadMar 1

Six months is a long time to carry that weight. You deserve support and your kid needs you healthy. Keep pushing on the treatment side, it gets better.

MMarcusRegularMar 2

I'm really sorry you're dealing with this. Have you been able to talk to your doctor about how the depression is affecting your parenting? Sometimes adjusting treatment or adding therapy specifically for parenting under depression makes a real difference.

KKarl J.RegularMar 2

Depression is brutal especially when you're trying to parent. You're still showing up for your kid even on the hard days and that matters. Please reach out to someone you trust.

JJake M.RegularFeb 28

Getting out of bed on those days is the win right there. The breakfast and clean clothes stuff matters way less than you think it does. Your kids need you functional more than they need everything perfect.

GGreg M.RegularFeb 28

I hear you. Some weeks are survival mode and that's okay. The fact that you're thinking about this and still showing up for your kid says everything. Talk to your doctor if you haven't recently about how this is affecting you.

CChris N.RegularFeb 28

Depression is brutal and I'm sorry you're dealing with that. When I'm stretched thin between two schools and two schedules, even basic stuff feels impossible some days. Have you got someone to help shoulder the load? Co-parenting or family or someone?

JJayRegularMar 1

Depression is brutal and you're dealing with it while being responsible for a kid which makes it even harder. Please reach out to someone if you haven't already. You don't have to white knuckle through this alone.

MMike R.New DadMar 1

I hear you man. I've been there and some days just getting the kids fed and safe felt like climbing Mount Everest. Have you talked to your doctor about trying medication alongside therapy?