The Daddy Blues: MARK WILLIAMS (Part 1)

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 in 10 dads suffer with their mental health after their child is born. YOU ARE NOT ALONE. The quicker you get help, the quicker your recovery. Reach out, help is available. Early intervention is crucial - for the whole family. Men can experience hormonal changes during the perinatal period. Mark's TED talk on the importance of father’s mental health. Mark's work with Dr Andrew Mayers Contact Mark here: Mark's website 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. Follow us: Instagram Twitter Join our Facebook Group Email: [email protected] 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). Action on Postpartum Psychosis (APP) Moderated Forum, click here to find out more. Email: [email protected] Tel: 020 3322 9900 Andy's Man Club A non-judgemental talking group for men https://andysmanclub.co.uk/club-information/clubs/ Email: [email protected] Association of Postnatal Illness Helpline: 10am – 2pm – 0207 386 0868 Email: [email protected] Live chat online facility Best Beginnings Free NHS-accredited Baby Buddy app offering evidence-based information and self-care tools to help parents during pregnancy and early stages of parenting. App users also have access to a confidential, text-based Crisis Messenger which provides 24/7 support for new and expectant parents who are feeling extremely anxious or overwhelmed. Birth Trauma Association Email: [email protected] CALM Contact CALM on their national helpline: 0800 58 58 58 (5pm-midnight) Cedar House Support Group Email: [email protected] (Liz Wise) Mobile: 07773 283556 DadsNet Offers support and knowledge through a community of dads on practical parenting and fatherhood. Fathers Reaching Out https://www.reachingoutpmh.co.uk/ Run by Mark Williams, campaigner, speaker and writer, offering support to dads. Make Birth Better (Birth Trauma Support) Email: [email protected] Maternal OCD Peer support available, email [email protected] to arrange Muslim Women’s Network Helpine: 0800 999 5786, open Mon-Fri 10am – 4pm with support offered in English, Urdu, Punjabi, Mirpuri, Putwari, Hindko, and Bengali. Email: [email protected] Online chat: www.mwnhelpline.co.uk Text: 07415 206 936 Netmums Netmums offer peer support via their Maternal Mental Health Drop-In Clinic. NHS Contact your local GP surgery. Call the NHS on 111 or contact a local NHS urgent mental health helpline If you are in crisis, visit Accident & Emergency at your nearest hospital. PANDAS Helpline open from 9am-8pm every day – 0843 2898 401 Email support available – [email protected] Petals Petals offers free-of-charge specialist counselling to anyone who has experienced pregnancy or baby loss. Web: petalscharity.org/counsellingcontact/ Email: [email protected] Tel: 0300 688 0068 <a href="https://www.samaritans.org/"...