Everyone knows that “good communication” is a crucial factor in sustaining a healthy, happy relationship. The art of communication looks different in every relationship and marriage, but one thing’s for sure: Verbalizing what you’re feeling isn’t always as simple or straight-forward as it may seem.
Those are the waters TLC’s OutDaughtered parents, Adam and Danielle Busby, have been trying to navigate lately, as Adam hasn’t seemed “like himself.”
The show features the Texas couple’s life raising six little girls: 5-year-old Blayke and 2-year-old quintuplets, Ava, Olivia, Hazel, Riley and Parker.
Adam Busby
The father of six recently opened up about what he now confirms to be postpartum depression—which, contrary to popular belief, can and does occur in fathers more often than most would think.
He admitted to Danielle in one episode that he can’t find the right balance of happiness:
“I feel a lot of pressure being the only one providing for our family right now. All I think about all day long is seeing you, playing with the girls. I feel like I can’t give enough time to either side and make everyone happy. In return, I feel like I’m not happy.”
Danielle said she noticed Adam’s behavior, but wasn’t able to understand why he was feeling unhappy in circumstances that should otherwise leave him feeling joyful.
Adam Busby
Being the loving wife that she is, Danielle initiated some honest communication between her and her husband, in an effort to figure out if there was anything she could be doing better for him.
Adam’s response reminded viewers everywhere that it doesn’t matter who you are or how many kids you have, some things are just difficult to understand—much less put into words.
He couldn’t explain how he was feeling beyond saying he was “in a funk,” and that “it is what it is.”
Still, Danielle pressed her husband for more details, sharing that she wants to support him as best as she can, but she can’t do that if she doesn’t know what he needs support in.