Dad on Pills: Fatherhood and Mental Illness

Written by Chris Gethard

Narrated by Chris Gethard

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.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Everand Originals
• Release date: Jan 26, 2022
• ISBN: 9781094439075

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.

Reviews for Dad on Pills

[Daniel · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Unbelievable! It was very heartfelt and made alot of sense. Made me feel less alone ??

[db · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

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.

[Chris Johnson · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Entertaining, inspiring, informative. The book was and eye opener to me.

[Ellen Hanes · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

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.

[rus · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Chris is a national treasure, better than Alexander Hamilton even. And he may still be president one day. Alexander Hamilton will NEVER be the president. He’s dead, it’s too late. I got sidetracked. Chris Gethard’s writing is great. I don’t know if he’d be a good president, but I’d bet on him. I don’t know if Alexander Hamilton was a good writer. I have a lot to think about.

[Casey · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

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.

[finedoc · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Loved this. Funny, aptly put and poignant. Mental health is all health. Keep up the conversation

[Wanda Stewart · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

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!!

[Deena Allerton · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Wow just wow this book is amazing I loved it

[Brian · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

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.

[Lisa R. Benson · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Beautiful illustration of parenthood and all it can teach you about you and your own mental health.

[Marchon Coppage · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

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.

[Aimee Drews · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

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.

[catZinca · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Thank you thank you from a woman who shares a similar path.

[Angela · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

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.

[awhite · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

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.

[Ross Taylor · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Quick easy read. Funny and then deep. Worth a listen

[Stephen Brennan · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A must read! Full of laughs and tears brought on by a transparent and insightful look into parenting

[Dave A · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Fantastic book to listen to! Recommend in today's mental struggles.

[BRUTALLY HONEST · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This is funny and engaging. It makes a great point about mental illness!

[Richard Mannion · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

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.

[That Dude · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

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.

[Ashley Kleptz · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

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.

[Pete Kuhn · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Chris brilliantly articulates thoughts I've had but could never put into words. Shed more than a few tears listening to this at work.

[Michal Rogers · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Chris is so authentic with his experience as a dad living with mental illness. Highly recommend

[Angie Larson · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A great short read for new dads,moms and anyone looking to understand mental illness a little more. Chris is funny, vulnerable and relatable.

[sarah · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Thank you for writing this, Chris. It’s so needed and impactful.

[Cherish Anderson · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

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.

[moose gronholm · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

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.

[dc · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

chapter6 narration gifted such a tender moment to share in CG's own voice. beautiful. enjoyed every second. crack that first page, press play.