Because dads matter too
Fathers' mental health
All too often, husbands and partners are overlooked when it comes to providing support and information on mental health. Evidence suggests that the risk factors, and impact, of perinatal mental health are reduced when mums have a supportive partner. Furthermore, fathers can develop 'perinatal mental health' problems (either as a result of their spouse's/partner's illness or independently). There is often little guidance available for men to understand the causes, risk factors, treatments and prognosis of perinatal mental illness, quite apart from what support they can give to their partner. Fathers also need information on how to improve their own mental health. On this page, you will find some information about the latest campaigns that I am involved with, some media stories that have been run about that, and an overview of resources and support for fathers.
Campaigns
Discover more about Mark’s work campaigning for fathers’ mental support
After years of campaigning, in 2018, NHS England announced support for fathers’ mental health
Discover more about International Fathers’ Mental Health Day; and annual event each June (the day after Fathers’ Day)
In the media
Read this really well written article on fathers’ experience of birth trauma
Read this important report on fathers accessing support for their mental health
Fathers’ MH media
My work has featured in several media stories. You can read about these here
Research studies
Campaigning is more effective with good research. You read about our work here
This publsihed study explores fathers’ experiences of witnessing birth trauma.
This publsihed study explores how fathers support thier partner for her mental health.
This publsihed study explores how fathers need support for thier mental health.
Books on fathers’ mental health
This book by Mark Williams tells how learned to deal with a problem he never knew he could have
This book explores fathers mental health - through definitions, support, treatment and management
This book explores how new fathers may stuggle with mental health in light of digital media
DAD is a deeply moving collection of stories form fathers who have struggled with their mental health
Support groups, information and blogs
Groups providing support for fathers
Mark Williams - Fathers Reaching Out
Make Birth Better
Birth Trauma Association
Dad Matters
DorPIP Dads
The dadsnet