Is it depression or just being exhausted?

Jan 9·1 min read

Genuinely can't tell anymore. My 2yo doesn't sleep great, I've been going back to work after 4 months home, and everything feels gray. Not suicidal or anything like that, but I'm not excited about anything either. Wife suggested it might be postpartum depression (she says dads can get it too?) and now I'm wondering if I should talk to my doctor about it. But also maybe I'm just tired? Idk this feels dumb to complain about when my wife's home with the baby all day.

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Comments(5)

DDante J.New DadJan 9

It's probably both honestly. Sleep deprivation alone can look exactly like depression. Have you talked to your doctor about the 2yo's sleep issues? Sometimes fixing that helps everything else feel more manageable.

BBrian L.RegularJan 10

Going back to work after 4 months is a huge adjustment plus a sleep deprived toddler is absolutely brutal. Give yourself some grace here. You're not broken, you're just exhausted.

RRexRegularJan 10

When my second kid was 2 I went through something similar. Started getting help and turns out it was both depression AND exhaustion. Once I addressed the depression part, the exhaustion felt more manageable if that makes sense.

TTony M.New DadJan 11

Real talk, if you're not sleeping for more than a few months straight your brain chemistry actually changes. That's not weakness, that's just biology. Might be worth talking to someone about it.

KKevinRegularJan 11

The fact that you can't tell the difference is actually worth mentioning to your doctor. They can help you figure out if it's clinical or situational. Either way you deserve support.