Dads. We are supposed to be the rock that holds up our world, the glue that keeps our families together, and the strong foundation upon which the lives of our children can be built. So what happens when the rock cracks, the glue dries up, and the foundation starts to sink? Do we just lower our stance, plant our feet a little wider and ask for more weight? Should we just pretend that nothing is wrong, that getting out of bed in the morning isn't the hardest part of our day? Remember, depression is just a state of mind, so think happy thoughts! Men don't really get depressed anyway, right?
So let's get the introductions out of the way. I'm a married, mid-thirties father of a toddler boy and a newborn girl, and unfortunately I am very well versed in the ways of depression and anxiety. It took me until my mid-twenties to realize that I have been depressed most of my life; and it took me about twenty minutes past that revelation for the anxiety to start creeping in and whispering terrible things. My mental health has been an ongoing battleground in a conflict that I am determined to overcome.
I want to start this blog as both a resource and hopefully an inspiration for all men, not just fathers, who are dealing with their own personal demons. With both my own experiences, as well as many others, I want to share that depression and anxiety are not things to be ashamed of. Hopefully you will find this blog a place where you can finally confront the war in your mind, and maybe even start to win a few battles.
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