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    Dad on Pills: Fatherhood and Mental Illness
    Dad on Pills: Fatherhood and Mental Illness
    Dad on Pills: Fatherhood and Mental Illness

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    Audiobook1 hour

    Dad on Pills: Fatherhood and Mental Illness

    Written by Chris Gethard

    Narrated by Chris Gethard

    4.5/5

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    About this audiobook

    Laughing not to cry isn’t just a survival mechanism for Chris Gethard; it’s his default mode. As one of the untold millions who suffer from terrifyingly unpredictable brain chemistry—and the need to rein it in by pharmacological means—the celebrated comedian knows what it’s like to struggle with mental illness. He also knows mental health disorders can be inherited, a fact that, unfortunately, didn’t help things much when he became a father.

    A poignant and hilarious meditation on the wild ride that is a life medicated, Dad on Pills chronicles the perpetual wrestling match of parenthood and partnership while refusing to shy away from the terrible loneliness at the bottom of “having a brain that doesn’t always work so good.” From the comic absurdity and unexpected dread of a birthing class to the sometimes fraught—for this father, at least—utterances of his toddler son, this tragicomic memoir explores Gethard’s own upbringing, as well as his mental illness and its repercussions. “I spend so much time as a parent quietly praying,” writes Gethard. “Praying that my son, my child, this beautiful boy with his big goofy grin, doesn’t feel this thing I have felt so often in my life. The depression, the manic moments, the dangerous instincts.”

    But something magical happens along the way: Gethard devises a plan for always being a good and loving father no matter what vicissitudes of biochemistry his kid experiences. Resonating with honesty and vulnerability, shining much-needed light on the very real affliction of mental illness, Dad on Pills is striking in how it challenges us to be ever more humane and understanding while also constantly sucker-punching us with much hard-earned humor.

    Editor's Note

    Full of humor and heart…

    Comedian and new father Gethard writes about his darkest fears as a dad who struggles with mental health (like that his son will also have a giant forehead full of suicidal thoughts) with humor and heart. For fellow mentally ill parents, Gethard’s hilarious personal essay is a reassuring pep talk, full of compassion, empathy, and kindness (and, OK, sometimes a few punches to the throat).

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherEverand Originals
    Release dateJan 26, 2022
    ISBN9781094439075
    Author

    Chris Gethard

    CHRIS GETHARD is a comedian and creator of The Chris Gethard Show and host of the popular weekly podcast Beautiful Stories from Anonymous People. His Judd Apatow-produced one-man show, Career Suicide, premiered on HBO and was nominated for the Lucille Lortel award for its off-Broadway run. He lives in Queens, New York.

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    Reviews for Dad on Pills

    4.5/5

    454 ratings67 reviews

    What our readers think

    Readers find this title incredibly heartfelt, powerful, and inspiring. It provides a beautiful and heart-wrenching look at the internal struggle and deep wisdom of the author as a parent. The book is described as heartfelt, honest, and brilliant, reminding readers that they are never alone. It offers a transparent and insightful look into parenting, balancing comedy and a dose of reality. The author's experience as a parent living with mental illness is highly authentic and relatable. Overall, the book is a must-read, full of laughs and tears, and a powerful illustration of parenthood and mental health.

    What did you think?

    Tap to rate

    Review must be at least 10 words

    • 5/5
      As always, Chris articulates his experiences in life with a candid humor and honesty that floors me. As someone who also lives with depression, his deep dive into the visceral moments of his brain slipping a disc could not have been more well described.
      Thank you for all that you do Chris.
      -long time Beautiful Anonymous fan
    • 5/5
      Unbelievable! It was very heartfelt and made alot of sense. Made me feel less alone ??
    • 5/5
      Chris, what an amazing outlook. I THINK this everyday but you have eloquently voiced it. My fear today is less because of your book. Simply a work of art.
    • 5/5
      Entertaining, inspiring, informative. The book was and eye opener to me.
    • 5/5
      So easily read with such sage advice…not just for new parents but for those whose babies are in their 40s. Gently humorous and so very relatable.
    • 5/5
      The title is amiss; if you, or anyone you know and love, maintains an X chromosome, this is a must read. I mean that so very much, please give it a read or listen with your family.

      Really. Whether you’re parenting a child, or re-parenting the one inside, there’s stuff in here I hope you find & take a moment to sit with presently. Even just on a lunch break at work—it’s literally adept & compact enough to do that.
    • 5/5
      Loved this. Funny, aptly put and poignant. Mental health is all health. Keep up the conversation
    • 5/5
      Such an insightful read and embraces our worlds need to recognize mental illness. Heartwarming love for his family and especially his son along with his humour brought tears to my eyes!!
    • 5/5
      Wow just wow this book is amazing I loved it
    • 5/5
      This hit so hard for me. Not in a bad way, in a way I could identify with. Inspiring is an understatement because of how real it is. Thanks to Geth for putting himself out there like this, yet again.
    • 5/5
      Beautiful illustration of parenthood and all it can teach you about you and your own mental health.
    • 5/5
      It was a really complied and diverse reading. I can understand the writer point of view, passage ways, and conclusion in all manners. I give this book 5stars 2 thumbs up all the way.
    • 5/5
      Thanks Chris I listened to it while deleting emails and ended up listening twice. You’re funny and you’re story is relatable - not passing it on to someone I know with mental health who has a child.
      Thanks for being honest and real.
    • 5/5
      Thank you thank you from a woman who shares a similar path.
    • 5/5
      Chris eloquently, hilariously, and honestly conveyed what it's like to be a parent dealing with mental illness. For someone who finally had her issues stable to abruptly everything changing when I became pregnant, he describes what it was like. The final chapter is what broke me, but in a way that I could relate. The first time I broke down in front of my son, I felt like a failure. And it took time to realize that he (like Cal) would always be my son and he loved me, all of me, chemical imbalances and all. 10/10 recommend.
    • 5/5
      Powerfully true. My brother succumbed to mental illness and I hope one day my nephew reads this and knows his dad loves continues and what happened was not a choice or a decision, but an illness that was as tragic and similar to anyone other cause of untimely death. Keep advocating, keep communicating and seeking support. Persist.
    • 4/5
      Quick easy read. Funny and then deep. Worth a listen
    • 5/5
      A must read! Full of laughs and tears brought on by a transparent and insightful look into parenting
    • 5/5
      Fantastic book to listen to! Recommend in today's mental struggles.
    • 4/5
      This is funny and engaging. It makes a great point about mental illness!
    • 5/5
      If only it were longer. Could listen to Chris' thoughts all day.
      Very few people write so honestly, not ommitting things or changing things to make themselves appear more perfect/ normal than they are.
    • 5/5
      Wow. A very honest perspective on parenting with mental health issues. My hat's off to Chris for taking the time out to put this together. It definitely struck a few chords.
    • 5/5
      Chris is hands down one my my favorite people who discusses the feelings of mental health. As a medicated parent myself, Geth has once again made me feel better about my situation and place in the world. This listen is so heartbreaking and heartwarming and I’m thankful he shared this insight on his life with us.
    • 5/5
      Chris brilliantly articulates thoughts I've had but could never put into words. Shed more than a few tears listening to this at work.
    • 5/5
      Chris is so authentic with his experience as a dad living with mental illness. Highly recommend
    • 5/5
      A great short read for new dads,moms and anyone looking to understand mental illness a little more. Chris is funny, vulnerable and relatable.
    • 5/5
      Thank you for writing this, Chris. It’s so needed and impactful.
    • 5/5
      I love Geth. He’s so raw and authentic. You can feel (and hear) the emotion he poured into this book. As a parent with mental illness, I deeply relate to many of his shared experiences and greatest fears. This book helped me realize I’m not alone, and I’m not less of a parent because of the way my brain works. The perfect balance of comedy and a dose of reality.
    • 5/5
      Been a long time Geth fan, and this, among many other things he has done, is just another stellar chapter in his story that he allows us in on. Thank you Geth.
      And much love to everyone livin with mental health issues.
    • 5/5
      chapter6 narration gifted such a tender moment to share in CG's own voice. beautiful. enjoyed every second. crack that first page, press play.