My depression has been pretty bad the last few months and I'm struggling to engage with my kids the way I want to. I'm going through the motions, making sure they're fed and safe, but I don't have the energy to really play with them or be present. I feel guilty about it and that makes the depression worse. Anyone been through this? How did you handle it?
Real talk - you don't have to be "on" all the time to be a good dad. Sometimes the best moments with my kid come when we're just existing together quietly. Consider talking to someone if you haven't already.
I'm still pretty new to this but I can already tell that some days are just survival mode and that's okay. You're doing better than you think you are.
I'm really glad you posted this because that's real and it matters. Have you gotten help for the depression? I know it's hard to admit you need support but your kids need their dad healthy more than they need perfect engagement when you're struggling. Taking care of yourself IS taking care of them.
Hey man, I hear you. Depression is real and it's tough. Have you talked to your doctor about it? There's no shame in getting some professional help, and it might make it easier to engage with your kids.
This is real and it affects a lot of us. When I'm struggling, even just 15 minutes of quality time with my kids helps. Not a fix, but it reminds me why I keep fighting. Please talk to someone though.
Sending you strength man. Depression is a bear and parenting while dealing with it feels impossible. But you reaching out here shows you haven't given up. Keep fighting.
That weight is real. Even on my tough days with my daughter I try to remember that showing up imperfectly is still showing up. Have you talked to your support system about this?
This hits close to home. What helped me was talking to someone professional and just being honest with my kids in an age appropriate way. They understand more than you think and they just want their dad around.
I've been there and it's really hard. Have you talked to anyone about it? A therapist or your doctor? There's no shame in getting help, and your kids need you at your best. You can't pour from an empty cup.
I've been there and it's brutal. Please reach out to someone if you haven't already. Your mental health matters because it affects everything else, including your parenting. You deserve support.
Get help if you haven't already. Therapy, medication, whatever it takes. Your kids would rather have you struggling but getting better than you white-knuckling through trying to be perfect for them.
Depression lies to you and tells you you're not doing a good job, but the fact that you're even worried about engaging with your kids shows you care. That matters. Have you reached out to anyone for support?
Depression lies to you about what your kids need. They need their dad present and honest more than they need you being at your best. Consider talking to someone about what you're going through. It made a huge difference for me.
Don't beat yourself up about this. Your kids love you even on your worst days. Small things count, like just sitting with them or a quick game. You don't have to be perfect.
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Going through the motions is still showing up for your kids, man. I've been there with the depression fog and it's rough, but you reaching out and being aware of it is actually a big deal. Hang in there.