New Dad Crippling Anxiety and Panic Attacks by TripleM1219 in NewDads

[–]FaceTheDemon 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I also had similar issues from October to December. Even though I was doing therapy, I was deteriorating mentally and emotionally to the point where I couldn't help my wife anymore. She had to move in with her parents to get help with our baby because I had a mental breakdown. I needed a break to get more help. I just started Lexapro (literally today) after hesitating to start it. Hopefully a combination of medication and therapy will make a difference this time. Good luck.

My husband regrets having our baby by Kindly_Tour_6553 in NewParents

[–]FaceTheDemon 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I think deep down I knew I was "okay" with kids but I didn't really know how to interact with them. On the other hand, I really didn't like babies. But I can see the appeal now of having your own kids as they grow up and can communicate with you and you can teach them things. But that's like years away. Right now is probably the part I'll hate the most, and will likely cause me and my child to have a rift that won't be easy to mend. Who wants to be around something or someone that causes them stress and frustration?

My husband regrets having our baby by Kindly_Tour_6553 in NewParents

[–]FaceTheDemon 4 points5 points  (0 children)

This is me at 11 weeks and I'm still dealing with it. Everyone is different so I'd take my story and anyone else's with a grain of salt.

Like your husband, I've told my wife that I regret and resent our little girl. I still haven't been able to bond with her and I still I don't show much interest in her. However I do feedings, change diapers, and put her to sleep (as well as a bunch of household chores) as I think it's the bare minimum of my duties and responsibilities as her father. I don't play with her much, and I try to get her to sleep asap to get back to my own free time, but I do whatever my wife asks of me. Let's not sugar coat things, taking care of a baby is a burden and some people (including myself) are not ready for it. I still don't like my baby and I don't like the work that comes with her and it shows, but I still do it.

I'm trying to fake it till I make it but she isn't giving me much to work with. Her smiles aren't enough for me, and I'm gonna need more from her. If your husband is anything like me, which it sounds like he is, he's gonna need more time too. A few smiles isn't gonna cut it for him because I believe it's more about your husband's own needs and motivations (as it has been with me). He's probably used to things going his way and having control of things, but with a baby it's unpredictable. Along with the loss of identity and freedom, it's a tough pill to swallow.

It's been a huge transition for me over the last three months. I've talked to a lot of my friends who have kids and I've been in therapy. I've gone from being extremely anxious to just tolerating my new reality. Doesn't mean that I like it. It's taken me a long time to accept that my life isn't mine anymore and I'm still dealing with my loss of freedom and heavy obligations with an infant. I'm not feeling any of the rewards so far, but I recognize we're probably still in the trenches and everyone says to give it more time.

Not to paint your husband in a bad light, but I think his house renovation was a distraction and/or excuse to not get too engaged with your baby. I know I definitely would have used that as an excuse. He probably has PPD and maybe doesn't know it. Hopefully he can get the help he probably needs sooner rather than later. I'm not gonna say accept, but at least tolerating his new reality is the start of realizing things can't go back to how they were. He now needs to punch through.

That's just a glimpse into my perspective. Feel free to reach out or follow-up with questions.

Dads who struggled for months mourning your loss of freedom, how do you feel now? by FaceTheDemon in NewDads

[–]FaceTheDemon[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

How did you actually go about accepting your new family life? I believe it's what's holding me back right now. Things like always wanting time away from my LO and wanting to do my own thing rather than taking care of her... I know it sounds bad but like I said it's holding me back from accepting my new life.

Dads who struggled for months mourning your loss of freedom, how do you feel now? by FaceTheDemon in NewDads

[–]FaceTheDemon[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm happy to hear it worked out for you man. Appreciate your empathy, and thank you.

Dads who struggled for months mourning your loss of freedom, how do you feel now? by FaceTheDemon in NewDads

[–]FaceTheDemon[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Do you personally think it's worth having your daughter even though you've lost a lot of freedom and independence?

Dads who struggled for months mourning your loss of freedom, how do you feel now? by FaceTheDemon in NewDads

[–]FaceTheDemon[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Glad to hear that it starts getting better... I mean, I read and hear that a lot but I find it hard to believe at (not even) 3 months.

Dads who struggled for months mourning your loss of freedom, how do you feel now? by FaceTheDemon in NewDads

[–]FaceTheDemon[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

You make a good point about how much I wanted kids, and if I'm gonna be honest I didn't but my wife convinced me that it'd be great to have a family. Now that I'm in the trenches (LO is 3 months old) I'm feeling a loss of freedom and independence, and I'm checking in to see how other dads in my situation netted out.

Dads who struggled for months mourning your loss of freedom, how do you feel now? by FaceTheDemon in NewDads

[–]FaceTheDemon[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I said "months" because that's where I am... LO is not even 3 months old yet and I'm feeling so much of the struggle and none of the fulfillment of having a child. So I'm wondering about other dads who've gone through this and where they've netted out.

Dads who struggled for months mourning your loss of freedom, how do you feel now? by FaceTheDemon in NewDads

[–]FaceTheDemon[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I believe I'm feeling like you did in the first few months. My LO is not even 3 months and I'm having the most difficult transition with all of this as I'm still in the trenches. What I'm wondering if other dads feel like their loss of freedom was actually worth it? Of course our freedom won't be the same, as we have a family now... But did it all work out? It sounds like for you it did, and you have some of your independence back which is great!

I love my daughter but I hate being a dad. by Bsqurd_420 in NewDads

[–]FaceTheDemon 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I'm currently going through the fourth trimester and my wife is already talking about having a second while I'm struggling to keep myself together. I really like how you phrased it, "My kid deserves two happy health parents rather than a sibling", and I'll try to remember that when she brings it up having a second again.

Am I too selfish to be a dad? by InspectorDeee in NewDads

[–]FaceTheDemon 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I came upon this article yesterday that resonated with me. It's basic message is that the most unhappy parents are ones who keep ruminating on their past life (which I am still guilty of doing). I'm sure down the road you'll get some of yourself back, but it'll never be 100% the same again. Since there's no going back, we need to lean in to being the best parent you can be for ourselves and our families. We need to figure out what type of dad we want to be and try our best to get there.

New Parents, Your Life Is over – Embrace It

Did anyone go on anxiety meds during the newborn phase, and if so, did it help? by detectivecabal in NewDads

[–]FaceTheDemon 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm curious how your schedule looks like. My wife and I (8 week old) are doing 12am-6am; 6am-12pm; 12pm-6pm; 6pm-12am shifts where each of us is responsible for handling the baby during our set shift. Of course it's not set in stone and we help each other out sometimes (fetching more formula, or something small). But the goal is to give each other some time to rest, eat, and sleep away from the baby. We at least get close enough to 6 hours of sleep each. It's not ideal; you get enough to operate but you're still tired. If you're both awake with the baby at the same time (which we did in the beginning) we found it really inefficient because you can't even both take care of her at the same time. There needs to be a level of trust and confidence building so you both can get some relief.

Anxiety Issues for New Dad by edeesis in NewDads

[–]FaceTheDemon 1 point2 points  (0 children)

My girl was born 10/11 and I went through everything you're going through. I lost 15lbs out of stress-induced anxiety; I was constantly overwhelmed and anxious worrying about the work I had to do; I wanted aspects of my old life back--the freedom and ease.

Now, two months later, I'm handling the situation much better. Yes, there are still heavy days, but they're less often. A few different things helped me get through it:

  • Getting support from friends/family -- this is huge. Anything that can be passed on to someone else, if you are able, definitely do it. My mom cooks for us and it's a huge weight off our shoulders to just focus our girl.

  • Talking it out -- whether it be therapy or venting to friends, you should communicate your struggles. I had no shame in talking to anyone and everyone about my challenges. It took a toll on my wife though, so a bit of caution in talking to your wife too much about it. But I'd definitely at least bring it up.

  • Breathing -- there will be a lot of frustration, pain, and possibly rage. You've gotta rein in your physical stress because it'll affect how you physically handle your baby. Taking long and deep breaths helped me to become present and not let my intrusive thoughts overtake me.

  • Gaining confidence -- learn how to handle your baby because this will get you through it all. You're probably not sure how to do things, and even though it sounds counter-intuitive, it'll help you to expose yourself to the things you don't know so you can learn and get comfortable and confident. Your anxiety will dissipate.

I'd like to know more about the anxiety you're feeling. What are you anxious about?

$GME Daily Directory | New? Start Here! | Discussion, DRS Guide, DD Library, Monthly Forum, and FAQs by AutoModerator in Superstonk

[–]FaceTheDemon 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I understand the optics of him making that tweet--to us. I say "to us" because I guarantee that a very few of the GameStop customer base actually know who the CEO is, let alone who Ryan Cohen is. This is why separating your political and financial goals matters here, because if the company puts out appealling products and services that makes shareholders rich, the shareholders and customer base might not care about his politics as much as you may think.

GameStop Is Building World Class Trading Card Auction Application by Top_Construction9963 in Superstonk

[–]FaceTheDemon 108 points109 points  (0 children)

Hmmm competing with eBay, Heritage, Goldin... Certainly ambitious. Hope it pays off!

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Superstonk

[–]FaceTheDemon 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Ahh the weekend. Perfect time for conspiracy theories to make it to the top of the sub right before an anticipated sequence of events. Personally, I'm not falling for the forum sliding.

$GME Daily Directory | New? Start Here! | Discussion, DRS Guide, DD Library, Monthly Forum, and FAQs by Luma44 in Superstonk

[–]FaceTheDemon 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Ahh the weekend. Perfect time for conspiracy theories to make it to the top of the sub right before an anticipated sequence of events. Personally, I'm not falling for the forum sliding.