Depression making it hard to be present for my kids | DadHQ

Depression making it hard to be present for my kids

3w ago1 min read

I love my boys more than anything but lately I've been feeling so empty and numb that I just go through the motions. Making breakfast, getting them to school, the bedtime routine. But I'm not really there mentally. I'm snapping at them over stupid stuff and then feeling guilty about it all night. Started therapy last month and the therapist says this is pretty common for dads but I hate that I'm missing out on their childhood because my brain is broken right now.

6 comments179 views

Comments(6)

CChristopher M.New Dad2w ago

I know that feeling of loving your boys more than anything but feeling numb at the same time. It's scary. But I'm telling you as someone who's been there, therapy and sometimes medication can actually help you be the dad you want to be for them.

RRaj P.Regular3w ago

The fact that you're still showing up and making breakfast tells me you're not as checked out as you feel right now. Depression lies to us about how we're doing as dads. Consider reaching out to get some support, even just to talk to someone who gets it.

DDrew H.Regular3w ago

Man, I hear you on going through the motions. That numbness is real and it sounds like you're aware enough to know something's off, which is actually a good sign. Have you talked to anyone about this, like a doctor or therapist? You deserve to feel like yourself again for your boys and for you.

LLucasRegular3w ago

Depression makes you feel like you're failing your kids but the fact that you're noticing it and you care enough to write this post means you're not the dad you think you are right now. Get some help man, you deserve to feel better.

EEvan M.New Dad2w ago

Your boys need their dad present more than they need a dad who's perfect. Getting help for this depression isn't failing them, it's showing them that taking care of your mental health matters.

EEric M.Regular3w ago

I've been in that space where you're going through the motions with your kids but you're not really there. The emptiness you're describing is real and it's not something you can just push through. Please talk to someone about this.