Single Dad with depression

[David4646]

Anyone else out there who's a single Dad, I don't live with my children but I have them every other weekend and midweek. Been single for 5 long years now, suffered depression and lack of self esteem. Tried medication that made matters worse when trying to date. Feeling lonely and sad all the time and recently started to think is it worth carrying on a low quality life. I love my children so much but I can't be happy around them I have to put a false face on. I don't know what to do.

[Hidden]

David

You need to be able to move on, the relationship finished five years ago and depending on how old your children are now you still need to live your life and look for a more positive way forward.

You could talk to your GP and explain how you now feel however the main thing that will help could be putting to sleep the actual divorce and the breaking up of both your ex and yourself

You need to talk out your concerns, your GP may be able to help you. Just because you are now alone does not mean you will not meet someone new, you need to heal and find someone who will be looking for someone with your interests. Hopefully your children will be happy for you,

If you have hobbies and interests, there are various clubs or societies you could join and hopefully that will allow you to take part in interests with others

You need to move on, your life still awaits and it has been to long for you to regain your interests in Life

BOB

[Marshall64]

I'm a full time single dad. Is your depression a result from being single or is have you had it before?

My daughter helps take me out of depression. The hardest thing for me is to be in the moment (always in the future or past). They grow up quick. It helps me to get out and do something. It gets me out of myself and keeps me engaged with my daughter.

[krazeeartist]

I'm not a single dad...or dad at all. But I can relate. How many different types of medication have you been on? I've been where you are at, and the key is to look around you and the small positive things in your life. Since you have your kids only that long then try and look forward to each time you see them with anticipation, which I am sure you do. Is there anything that makes you laugh? A certain comedian, movies, etc? Any hobbies? Find things that make you feel good. I've suffered depression for years now and just recently discovered that exercise is a great outlet. Get in the habit of thinking positively about things.

[MAS_Nurse]

Hello David, and welcome to this supportive community. I was a single parent for nine years and there is no denying it, it was hard on times but also rewarding too when you see how your child is shaping their lives from your influence so never give up on that David. I found a group of like minded single parents (doesn't matter if it's part time parenting) the fact is you can do things with the children in a group and also attend meetings and talk to others in the same position as yourself. I don't know if you live in the Uk but the group is called Gingerbread. They have a forum and chat room that you can talk to other single parents, also local groups around England and Wales. I will include their info below and good luck to you.

Please let us know how you are doing.

best wishes,

MAS Nurse.

gingerbread org.uk Mon- Friday 91m - 5pm Tel: [phone].

[MustBeAWay]

Maybe if you look at it as you're single and a parent it may help. You can always find someone else to love.

[Depresseddorset]

Hi there. I'm not a single dad but I have a daughter with 2 children of which one has autism. She is a single parent with some support from her ex. I live in another part of the country and have mental health issues of my own (moderate to severe depression and mild anxiety). I've tried CBT with limited success. Medication (quite high dose) helps me remain stable. It took a long time to get my medication right so please persevere.

I do have suicidal thoughts but my autistic grandson told his support worker that his grandad (me) is the only person who understands him so no pressure there but it does stop me taking the final step.

You don't say how old your children are but think of them as your anchor and try different meds,CBT and talking therapies.

I wish you all the best moving forward.

[Marshall64 in reply to Depresseddorset]

Sorry to hear about what you are going through but that is pretty cool that your grandson thinks that about you.