Description

The second part of my conversation with pioneering mental health campaigner Mark Williams, who has highlighted the need to include fathers in perinatal services.

*TRIGGER WARNING: THOUGHTS OF SUICIDE*

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:

[00:00] Teaser quote for this episode

[00:32] Introduction to Mark Williams (part 2)

[02:09] 1001 Days - significant phase for children and why it's important to included dad

[04:21] Mark's guilt at not providing for his family, while caring for his wife and son

[05:51] The progress made in including fathers

[06:09] The importance of lived experience for men opening up - intrusive thoughts

[07:31] The family events which triggered Mark's battle with mental health - impact on physical health

[09:13] Coming clean and getting help

 [10:35] Setting up 'Fathers Reaching Out' support group

[13:39] Early abuse and stigma in working in this field

[15:07] Mark's relationship with son Ethan

[16:30] No such thing as a perfect parent

[19:35] Looking back - losing his mother-in-law

[20:12] The support of Mark's wife, Michelle

[21:04] "Post traumatic growth"

[21:17] Mark's work with Dr Jane Hanley

[22:30] Mark's writing including his book on father's postnatal depression

[24:00] Anyone can contribute to helping parents - everybody's voice matters

[26:30] Meeting someone special!

[27:16] The positives of having been through this experience

[30:06] Advice for dad's in need

[32:52] Bonding - don't feel guilty if you don't have this in the early days, it will come

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

1. The first 1001 Days (from pregnancy to the first 2 years of a child's life) have been proven as a significant and influential phase in their development. What happens during this time lays the foundation for their future wellbeing.
2. It's a myth that men don't open up.
3. Men can act out their distress in harmful ways - drinking heavily, aggression.
4. Dr Jane Hanley
5. Mark's 'Daddy Blues' book
6. Baby Buddy App
7. The Hub of Hope - database of local support resources
8. Communicate with each other - be honest with your partner about how you are feeling.
9. Mark's TED talk on the importance of father’s mental health.
10. You can contact Mark here: Mark's website
11. Fathers Reaching Out

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Email: bluemumdays@gmail.com

NEXT WEEK’S EPISODE:

In Episode 10 Leonie Huie BEM opens up about...