Postpartum depression isn't just for moms | DadHQ

Postpartum depression isn't just for moms

2w ago1 min read

My daughter was born 4 months ago and I've been struggling bad. Constant anxiety about whether I'm doing things right, intrusive thoughts about something bad happening to her, and I feel this heaviness all day. I finally told my doctor and he confirmed it's postpartum depression. I thought this only happened to women and I'd be fine. Started meds last week and already feeling a bit better but man, I wish I'd talked about it sooner instead of just powering through.

7 comments130 views

Comments(7)

CChristopher M.New Dad1w ago

Postpartum anxiety hit me harder than I expected and I felt like I couldn't say it out loud. But once I did, things got better. Your daughter needs a dad who's taking care of his mental health. That's being a good parent, not the opposite.

MMikeRegular2w ago

The intrusive thoughts after my daughter was born scared me more than I wanted to admit. I ended up talking to someone and it made a huge difference. Proud of you for being real about it.

PPete D.Regular2w ago

Four months in is still so early and your brain is running on fumes. That anxiety is your body in overdrive, not you failing. Talk to your doctor if you haven't already.

FFrank K.Regular2w ago

Hey, thank you for saying this out loud. I'm dealing with similar stuff right now and it helps to know other guys are struggling with it too. You're not alone in this.

BBrandonRegular1w ago

Four months in and the exhaustion plus the anxiety about whether you're messing up is real. Talk to someone - your doctor, a therapist, someone. This is treatable and you don't have to white knuckle through it.

MMarkRegular1w ago

The constant anxiety spiral is brutal. I'm still in it at month four. Have you talked to your wife about what you're feeling? That first conversation is scary but it helps.

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MMike C.Regular1w ago

This needs to be talked about way more. I was struggling at month three and finally told my wife and got some help. The anxiety about doing everything right is no joke. You're not alone in this and it doesn't mean you're a bad dad.