Male postpartum depression. It makes perfect sense that it exists. But after 4+ decades on the planet, I'd never heard of it. Or didn't hear about it enough to stick. (Added to my list of papercuts and grumbles about the pregnancy experience. Number one: baby products and websites where the photos only feature women!).
I don't think I qualify for MPPD in the clinical sense, but earlier last week the stress of the last month sent me spiraling down into a depressive episode familiar from a previous life: irritable, resentful, anger simmering, despair closing in, trapped, hopeless, lethargic. I did a better job of stating the struggle and sharing it with friends and family than I did in the past. But no miracle turnaround. I found myself again having to will myself out of it, to choose revival. Maybe/probably a somewhat toxic attitude in general, if I held it about others struggling in the same way, but it's helpful for me to believe I have some choice in the matter.
Very grateful to have family in town to help me see that this week. Kids are cuter when someone else is taking care of them, in part. Also just great to be able to observe very experienced people at work, see different techniques, pick up little tricks. (And also to see where modern advice differs!)
Art
Colorful Realm of Living Beings, thirty-scroll sequence of birds and foliage by Ito Jakuchu. Arum and Flowering Weed, painting by Shibata Zeshin.
Books
The Hard Way by Lee Child. I DNF'ed the book on Icelandic sagas, and the one on English queens. Instead, switched over to a Jack Reacher novel and I'm ripping through chapters again. (More books need chapters!)
Running
Family in town got me more free time, so I rebounded with four good short runs and a long walk in the park. I feel sane again.
Around the Web
Music
Modjo, self-titled. I picked up the album due to "Lady - Hear Me Tonight", one I heard on a speaker somewhere. The song is great, and it's the only one memorable for me.
Gorillaz, The Mountain. Interesting! Much more variety than I expected. Who knew they were still going?
Christer Bothen, Oren Ambarchi, Johan Berthling, Andreas Werliin, Serpentine. Reminds me of the Stars at Noon soundtrack a bit. Loose and evocative instumentals, "Pink Panther vibes".
Movies
Would you believe not a single one? Not sure of the last time non-vacation period that I went so long without a movie.
TV
Reacher, s4e3–5. Great, great season. Fight scenes are much more fun and dynamic. More interesting supporting cast and better settings. Best season since the first one.
Batman: The Animated Series, s1e14 "Heart of Ice". This show is still so good.
