[d3ckard]

It kind of works, honestly.

Since my son was born earlier this year (first kid), I certainly see how he can effortlessly make me happy in a way I found hard to achieve earlier.

While I handled most of my depression-like issues before (mostly anxiety), he seems to have a great impact on making me feel fully recovered, motivated and wanting things from life again.

[Aeolun]

Depends on age, I think. At 3 years old mine is quite capable of invoking an anxiety attack at will.

On the other hand, you are basically forced to deal with it instead of running away, can’t leave the kiddo alone.

[lukebuehler]

Yep, I have many of them. It's hard, and and sleep deprivation is not the most direct path to Zen. But... behind it all there is this deep seated satisfaction and, yes, happiness with raising children.