Postpartum anxiety as a dad - is this real or am I being dramatic?

Jan 10·1 min read

Our second kid just turned 2 weeks old. I've been having constant intrusive thoughts about something bad happening to him - falling, drowning, getting sick, whatever. I can't sleep even when the baby is sleeping because my brain won't stop. Wife has postpartum depression (we got her help immediately) but I didn't think this was something dads could get? Google isn't helping, it's all about moms. Should I just wait it out or actually talk to someone?

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Comments(5)

MMatteoRegularJan 10

Not dramatic at all man. Postpartum anxiety in dads is totally real and honestly doesn't get talked about enough. The intrusive thoughts are part of it. Definitely worth mentioning to your doctor.

TTim K.RegularJan 12

I had this BAD after our first kid. The constant worry about something happening to him was exhausting. Talked to my therapist about it and it helped so much. You're not alone in this.

NNathanNew DadJan 11

Two weeks in with a newborn is like peak anxiety territory. Your brain is literally flooded with hormones and lack of sleep. That's a real thing, not being dramatic.

JJoel F.RegularJan 12

Have you talked to your partner about this? Sometimes just naming it out loud helps. And definitely get it checked by your doctor because there's actual treatment for postpartum anxiety.

GGreg H.New DadJan 13

The intrusive thoughts are the worst part. Like my brain would just go to worst case scenarios randomly. Once I started talking about it openly it got way better. Reach out to someone.

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