Winter Is Hard on Dads. We Should Talk About It.
Showing Up Is the WorkInside this issue
On My MindWinter has a way of adding weight. The days are shorter. The light disappears earlier. Routines shift. And for a lot of dads, anxiety, low moods, or a general sense of heaviness starts to creep in. What makes this season especially hard is how little we talk about it. Many dads carry the belief that they are supposed to push through quietly, keep things steady at home, and deal with whatever is happening internally on their own. Anxiety and depression become private burdens. Not because they are rare, but because they are rarely named. This week, I welcomed Kristian Leavell back to the show for a conversation that feels especially important right now. One of the core ideas we kept coming back to is simple but powerful: feeling anxious or low during winter is not a personal failure. It is a human response to a demanding season. As Kristian said, “You may not be broken. You may just be overloaded right now.” That reframe matters. You are not alone if this season feels heavy. Many dads are carrying similar weight, even if they are not saying it out loud. And there are real, practical ways to address these challenges. Small steps. Honest conversations. Restorative actions that actually help. Most importantly, it does get better. The season changes. The intensity fades. And with the right awareness and support, you can feel steady again and show up fully for the people who matter most. This issue is about naming the weight and learning how to carry it without letting it crush you. Use Emotions as Fuel, Not FrictionWhy it MattersMany dads treat emotions like problems to eliminate. In reality, emotions are resources. They can either drain you or drive you, depending on how you use them. Why it WorksKristian described emotions as transient. They come, they stay for a bit, and they pass. When you stop fighting them, you regain a sense of control. As he put it, anger, sadness, and frustration are not negative by default. When channeled intentionally, they can fuel action, creativity, or movement. How to Do It
That might be a workout, a walk, a journal entry, or focused time with your kids. Pro TipThe moment you feel emotional energy, move your body in some small way. Movement helps convert emotion into momentum. Break the Thought Loop with Opposite ActionWhy it Matters Winter often brings a familiar loop: other dads are handling this better, I should be more grateful, this will never change. Why it Works Kristian called this getting stuck inside the story. Thoughts feel true, but they are not facts. Opposite action interrupts the loop by creating movement before motivation arrives. How to Use It
If the story says stay in bed, get dressed. If it says isolate, connect. If it says skip the gym, show up for five minutes. Pro TipAction does not need to be heroic. It just needs to be intentional. Time to Sprint: One Restorative Step This WeekWhy it MattersRestoration does not come from big breakthroughs. It comes from small, repeatable resets. How to Do It
Kristian explained that exposure to the elements can help regulate your nervous system and pull you out of mental overload. Pro TipPair this with one question: What am I feeling right now? Your MoveWhat is one early sign you notice when winter stress starts to creep in for you? Hit reply and let me know. I read every response. Connect with KristianKristian Leavell is a licensed clinical social worker, therapist, and dad who helps people navigate anxiety, depression, and emotional overload with compassion and clarity. He creates amazing content on TikTok, Instagram, and now YouTube as well. Check out his work or get in touch here: TherapyTokWithKris on TikTok TherapyTalkWithKris on Instagram TherapyTalkWithKris on YouTube DistinctApproachCounseling.com On the Show This WeekContinue the ConversationThis conversation goes deep on why winter hits dads so hard and what actually helps. We talk about recognizing early warning signs, using emotion as fuel, redefining what it means to provide, and why strength does not require silence. If this season feels heavy, this episode will meet you where you are. Check it Out🎧 Kristian Leavell on Navigating Anxiety, Depression, and the Long Winter Season Listen on your favorite podcast platform The Last LaughWho doesn’t love a good haul? 👯 No gate keeping here besties @homedepot you are my @ultabeauty Which store is next?#haul #haulvideos #hack #shopping #shoppinghaul #dad #homedepot |
