I used to call in sick a lot. My mother would ALWAYS say, "at least its just you - you dont have to worry about little kids to feed." So i would guess thats what the wife and parents are worried about. Usually after 3 days of calling in you have to bring in a written doctors excuse.

You say youve been toeing the line like its not a line you chose. But other people do think kids are a line you chose.

If you are depressed, please get help. I wish i had gotten on meds sooner and gotten better therapy sooner. Maybe i wouldnt be alone now. Life is short and actions have consequences. Stuff just got real.