Should I be depressed?
May 7th, 2008, at 11:14 AM
Apparently, as the father of a nine-month-old baby, I am twice as likely as other guys my age to be depressed. Who knew?
The article gives no indication of what I’m supposed to be depressed about; I guess I’ll have to come up with something.
I suppose it takes lots of dads a while for the reality to sink in that their lives have changed forever. But I tend to think that most of the changes (having this completely wonderful creature in my life, for example) are for the good, and the rest are easily surmountable - so what if I can’t stay out very late if I get to see this cutie sleeping beside us at night?
I’m sure it helped, too, that I acquired three great step-children before the one great child.
May 7th, 2008 at 1:01 pm
“The man may feel increased financial demands, fatigue from a loss of sleep, a change in his relationship with the woman… any of these could contribute to depression.”
It’s still only 10% who are depressed, compared to 5% for those without babies.
May 7th, 2008 at 1:47 pm
“I’m sure it helped, too, that I acquired three great step-children before the one great child.” No wonder Katie is so happy. You are one terrific dad!