if you would like to find out more about Dad Matters support, check out your local area page,
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Understanding Dads Mental Health
A Guide for Dads During Pregnancy, Labour, and Beyond
As fathers-to-be or already proud dads in Yorkshire, embarking on the journey of parenthood is an exhilarating experience filled with anticipation and joy. However, amidst the excitement, it’s crucial to prioritise your mental health and that of your partner throughout the various stages of pregnancy, labour, and the early days of parenting. Let’s explore why understanding mental health is vital and how to recognize signs of struggle, along with where to seek support.
The Importance of Mental Health Awareness
Pregnancy, labour, and the transition to parenthood can evoke a myriad of emotions, ranging from happiness and excitement to anxiety and stress. Recognizing and addressing your mental health is essential for your well-being and that of your partner and child.
Here’s why:
Supports Overall Well-being -Mental health impacts every aspect of your life, including your relationships, work, and ability to cope with stress. Prioritising mental health ensures you’re better equipped to navigate the challenges of parenthood with resilience and positivity.
Strengthens Relationships Open communication and understanding of each other’s mental health foster stronger bonds between partners. By supporting each other’s emotional well-being, you can navigate the ups and downs of pregnancy and parenting as a team.
Promotes Healthy Parenting Maintaining good mental health allows you to be present and engaged in your role as a parent. By prioritising self-care and seeking support when needed, you can provide the love, patience, and support your child deserves.
Recognising Signs of Poor Mental Health
It’s essential to be aware of the signs and symptoms of poor mental health for both yourself and your partner. Common indicators may include:
– Persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness
– Increased anxiety or worry
– Changes in appetite or sleep patterns
– Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
– Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed
– Irritability or mood swings
Postnatal Depression in Men and Women
Postnatal depression (PND) affects not only mothers but also fathers, yet it’s often overlooked in men. In the UK, approximately 1 in 5 women experience postnatal depression, while recent studies suggest that around 1 in 10 new fathers also suffer from PND. Recognising the signs of PND in both parents is crucial for early intervention and support.
Seeking Help and Support
If you or your partner are experiencing difficulties with your mental health during pregnancy, labour, or after childbirth, know that help is available. Healthcare professionals, such as GPs, midwives, and health visitors, are trained to provide support and guidance for mental health concerns during the perinatal period.
Dad Matters Yorkshire offers a range of support services tailored to fathers’ needs, including:
– 121 Peer Support
– Support groups for dads
– Walk and talk peer support sessions
– Information and resources on mental health awareness
Conclusion
As dads in Yorkshire, prioritising your mental health and that of your partner is essential for navigating the journey of parenthood with resilience and strength. By understanding the importance of mental health, recognising signs of struggle, and seeking support when needed, you can create a nurturing environment for your growing family.
Dad Quotes
“Biology does not make a man a father — nor a woman a mother. We are what we do.”
Andrew Vachss, “Another Chance to Get It Right”
“A father is the man who can change a world he will not be part of by building the tiny human that is part of him.”
Craig D. Lounsbrough
What to expect…….. Mental Health Assessments
A mental health assessment is a conversation between you and mental health professionals to help decide what kind of support you need.
You’ll need to have a mental health assessment when you go to any mental health service for help.
Information:
A mental health assessment is not a test or an exam. It is about helping you.
You only have to talk about what you want to talk about.
The more open and honest you are, the easier it will be to get you the right help.
What happens during a mental health assessment?
When you have a mental health assessment, you might talk1 to a nurse, social worker, psychologist, specialist pharmacist, psychiatrist, or a combination of these and other healthcare professionals.
Bringing someone to support you
You may be able to bring a friend or relative to support you.
Some people prefer to bring an advocate who can represent their views and interests. They can be volunteers, like mental health charity workers, or professionals, like lawyers.
If you want to know what advocacy services are available in your area, check with your local council.
What you’ll talk about in your assessment
During the assessment, you and healthcare professionals will talk about your needs.
The conversation might cover:
mental health symptoms and experiences
feelings, thoughts and actions
physical health and wellbeing
housing and financial circumstances
employment and training needs
social and family relationships
culture and ethnic background
gender and sexuality
use of drugs or alcohol
past experiences, especially of similar problems
your safety and other people’s
whether anyone depends on you, such as a child or elderly relative
strengths and skills, and what helps you best
hopes and aspirations for the future
You only have to talk about what you want to talk about but the more you’re able to share, the easier it will be to find out what will work best for you.
At the end of the assessment
When the professionals you’re talking to have all the information they need, they’ll make their assessment and explain it to you in clear language.
You should get the chance to ask questions about your condition, the diagnosis, possible causes, the treatments on offer, and how those might affect your life.
You should also be involved in making decisions about what treatments are best for you.
You can also expect to be given information to take home, so you can think about it in your own time, as well as advice on where you can find out more.
What you can do before and during the assessment
:
- Think about who you could take with you for support and arrange for them to come along
- Make some notes about what you want to discuss in your appointment
- Tick each point off during the appointment, when they’ve been covered
- Ask as many questions as you need to about anything that is not clear
- Make sure the health professional explains things to you as many times as it takes for you to really understand it
Turning Point Talking therapies
Our service provides FREE, quick and easy access to a range of psychological therapies – so you can get the help you need, when you need it.
If you are feeling down, worried, depressed, or anxious, we can help, whether that be face-to-face, over the phone or with online support.
The people you’ll meet have been in similar situations and can provide free and non-judgemental support at one of our 283 locations across England. Whether you’re looking to make a change in your life or you want to get a better understanding of what’s happening, we can be there alongside you.
DAD MATTERS YORKSHIRE
2 Kilnsey Road, Wakefield.WF1 4RW
Office 01924 251205
Office Mobile: 07787823441