Description

I chat to pioneering parental mental health campaigner and author Mark Williams. In this first part, Mark talks about the traumatic birth of his son which triggered postnatal depression in both his wife and himself.  We discuss the added stigma of fathers struggling and the pressure put on men to “man up”.

*TRIGGER WARNING: BIRTH TRAUMA/THOUGHTS OF SUICIDE/ALCOHOL ABUSE*



IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:

[00:00] Introduction to Mark Williams (part 1)

[01:36] Ethan’s birth – from positive beginnings to emergency C-Section

[02:43] Mark's first panic attack, in the labour word

[04:38] Where was the ‘rush of love’? 

[06:11] Getting home – masking emotions

[07:11] Lack of support and education for new dads.

[07:38] The pressure of being brought up to be tough and "man up"

[09:50] Michelle diagnosed with PND *TRIGGER WARNING*

[12:12] Giving up work to look after his family

[13:38] The impact on Mark's mental health

[16:11] Changes to Mark's personality - suicidal thoughts *TRIGGER WARNING*

[18:01] Alcohol abuse and anger - ways of trying to 'cope'

[19:41] The barriers stopping Mark getting help - the affect on his job, social services

[20:47] Support available from employers - greater awareness

[22:14] Mark's research into the importance of fathers’ mental health and the need for early intervention

[23:29] Suicide risks in men *TRIGGER WARNING*

[24:02] Post Traumatic Stress Disorder - requires different treatment

[24:45] Postnatal Depression in men - including hormonal changes

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

1. 1 in 10 dads suffer with their mental health after their child is born. YOU ARE NOT ALONE.
2. The quicker you get help, the quicker your recovery. Reach out, help is available.
3. Early intervention is crucial - for the whole family.
4. Men can experience hormonal changes during the perinatal period.
5. Mark's TED talk on the importance of father’s mental health.
6. Mark's work with Dr Andrew Mayers
7. Contact Mark here: Mark's website
8. Fathers Reaching Out - support for dads

If you enjoyed this episode, please share, rate and subscribe. It really does make the difference in helping others find it – which means helping more parents in need.

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Email: bluemumdays@gmail.com

NEXT WEEK’S EPISODE:

In Episode 9, pioneering paternal mental health champion Mark Williams tells me more about his life's work campaigning for and supporting fathers during the perinatal period.

SUPPORT:

If you are struggling right now, please know that it’s okay to talk and reach out for help. 

YOU ARE NOT ALONE AND WILL NOT FEEL THIS WAY FOR EVER. 

We hope these support services are helpful (please note we do not check or monitor them individually).