Just did my first dad support group meeting and wow

Nov 271 min read

Found a local group through my therapist that meets Tuesday nights. Showed up nervous as hell, wasn't sure what to expect. Sat in a circle with 6 other dads and just... listened. Heard about a guy dealing with postpartum depression, another who's struggling with his marriage, one dealing with his kid's disability diagnosis. By the end I didn't even feel alone anymore? Not saying I'm "fixed" but there's something about hearing other dads say the quiet parts out loud that just felt... relieving. If anyone's looking for this kind of thing, I'd definitely recommend.

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Comments(11)

JJames H.Regularjust now

This is awesome. How'd you find the group? I've been thinking about doing something like this but wasn't sure where to start without it being weird.

MMatt W.Regularjust now

Going back next Tuesday or was it a one-time thing?

BByron S.Regularjust now

What was the vibe like? Was it one of those awkward 'go around and share' situations or more casual?

GGreg W.Regularjust now

This is the post that actually made me want to do something about my own mental health. Need to find a group like this. Did your therapist specifically recommend dads-only or was it just something they knew about?

VVic G.Regular6h ago

Postpartum depression in dads is SO undertalked about. Good on you for showing up. What was the vibe - everyone pretty open or did it take a while to warm up?

LLou P.Regular1d ago

The postpartum depression thing in dads is still so under-talked about. Good on you for going and good on those guys for being open about it.

KKent R.Regularjust now

Honestly? Bit awkward at first but then we just started talking like normal. No forced anything. Guys brought coffee, someone made jokes, it was surprisingly real.

TTom P.Regular2h ago

Dude yes. I did a support group for about 4 months when my second kid was born and I was spiraling. Just hearing other guys say out loud that they were struggling too made a huge difference. Felt less alone somehow.

HHank W.Regularjust now

Planning to yeah. Therapist thinks it'll help more than just the one-on-one sessions.

LLarry P.Regular15h ago

The fact that you were nervous and went anyway is the move. Most dads white-knuckle through parenting alone and then wonder why they're always angry. Glad you found something that clicked.

FFrank T.Regularjust now

That's actually really cool. How'd you find it? My wife keeps suggesting therapy for me and I keep saying "nah I'm fine" but honestly hearing that it helped you makes me think maybe I should try it instead of just venting on these forums.