In late 2004, Mark witnessed his wife go through a traumatic birth, feeling out of control and having his first ever panic attack at thirty years of age. Michelle, his wife, was quickly diagnosed with severe postnatal depression but after looking after Michelle feeling isolated and using alcohol to cope Mark himself was having suicidal thoughts in the postnatal period suffering in silence for years until a breakdown over five years later. Mark talks with passion about the importance of looking after the mental wellbeing of new fathers In late 2004, Mark witnessed his wife go through a traumatic birth, feeling out of control and having his first ever panic attack at thirty years of age. Michelle, his wife, was quickly diagnosed with severe postnatal depression but after looking after Michelle feeling isolated and using alcohol to cope Mark himself was having suicidal thoughts in the postnatal period suffering in silence for years until a breakdown over five years later.
After setting up a support group he founded International Fathers Mental Health Day and #Howareyoudad campaign to make sure all parents are having support for their mental health.
Since 2011 Mark has spoken on television and radio stations around the world and works with Dr Jane Hanley who have both published articles on Fathers Mental Health together. Mark was awarded Inspirational Father of the Year and Local Hero at the Pride of Britain Awards in 2012 and was invited to meet The Royal Family on World Mental Health Day in 2016. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
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