Family Dynamics and Mental Health: A Father's Struggle

A father, referred to as Let Down in Florida, shares his struggles with his daughters family, which is impacting his mental health. He describes how he connected with Christi, a daughter he fathered with an ex-girlfriend, ten years ago after being unaware of her existence prior to her birth.

After retiring five years ago, he relocated closer to Christi and his 11-year-old granddaughter at her request, hoping for a closer relationship. However, he feels his access is extremely limited and that Christi's family has turned his granddaughter against him.

In group settings, he feels like more of a chauffeur than a grandparent, causing significant emotional distress. He expresses concern that addressing these feelings with Christi could lead to being cut out of her life entirely.

Dear Abby advises him to revisit the conversations regarding his move, addressing his feelings of being unappreciated, and suggests consulting a licensed psychotherapist for support. She warns that if the situation remains unchanged, he might need to return to his previous community to protect his mental health.