Daddy Blues: Postnatal Depression and Fatherhood

by Mark Williams

Mark Williams led a content life; from a working-class background, he worked his way up into a promising career and then met the love of his life. When his wife Michelle fell pregnant, it seemed as though everything had fallen into place for them.

Except Michelle’s labour didn’t go well. She was forced to undergo a C-section, an experience which deeply traumatised both of them. And when it was time to take their child home, Michelle seemed different. Gone was the woman that he had fallen in love with, replaced with someone who couldn’t pull herself out of a deep, dark depression.

But it wasn’t just Michelle who felt the baby blues. Mark too felt as though he had lost something, succumbing to feelings of stress, anxiety, and depression. He had never heard of fathers going through postnatal depression, but with a baby that wouldn’t stop crying and a wife he could no longer connect with, he felt like he was losing himself more and more each day. So he found solace in old habits, and found his escape at the bottom of a bottle.

A touching story from a rarely explored perspective, Daddy Blues tells the tale of a man learning to deal with a problem he never knew he could have.

Genres: Parenting, Nonfiction, Mental Health

152 pages, Paperback

Published July 11, 2018

About the author

Mark Williams is a Keynote Speaker, Author and International campaigner. In 2004 he himself experienced depression and suffered in silence for years until he entered community mental health services.

He founded International Fathers Mental Health Day and #Howareyoudad campaign to make sure all parents are having support for the whole family.

Mark has spoken on television and radio stations around the world while working with Dr Jane Hanley who have both published articles on Fathers ( Paternal) Mental Health together.

Mark was awarded Inspirational Father of the year and local hero at the Pride of Britain Awards in 2012 even invited to meet The Royal Family on World Mental Health Day also awarded the Point Of light Award by the Prime Minister in 2019.

Ambassador for Mother's for Mother's Charity.

Reviews

[Parvinder · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read Daddy Blues last year, and found the story of Mark and his wife really truthful, honest, and moving. Fathers Mental Health is poorly managed with lack of education about it. Mark and I reached out to each other, and I was honoured that he felt I could bring this book to life as a film. I wrote the script based on this book and made the film almost two months later. The film is called, obviously, Daddy Blues, and will be released very soon. I really hope it helps makes a difference around the world for not just fathers in need, but for mental health in general for parents. Without this book, the film would not be made. Thank you Mark and his team for helping me create a truly special film!

[Scott Mair · Rating 5 out of 5]

Never underestimate the power of lived experience, Mark Williams has changed the lives of many including myself by giving a voice to fathers who find life hard and normalising that parenting can be very hard and life very cruel. But what he and his book offer is hope that it can get better. As someone who works in the field of paternal mental health and supporting fathers via social media and public speaking I owe so much to this man, I recommend this book to parents and professionals a like and I can’t rate this book enough, men struggle too just society doesn’t always except that’s why we need the likes of Mark Williams.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Working in perinatal mental health and knowing of Mark’s tireless work in campaigning for services for dads I was delighted to read his book. I devoured it in one afternoon and was not surprised that the honesty and passion he shows when talking about the subject was reflected in his words. Do give it a read.

[Michelle Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

I work in mental health and it’s a great resource for parents and health professionals

[Robin Kuipers · Rating 5 out of 5]

A love story.

Simply brilliant, easy read, an incredible love story that transcends all the bad and come out on top .....

Beautiful

[Dan · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading Mark story we got in touch and now have podcast with professionals called "How are you Dad " - link here https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast...

[Steven Morris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Something I didn't know anything about and have been supporting families for a few years. I think the only thing missing is resources at the end - but worth five stars for sure.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book - A must read if you work in Perinatal Mental Health! Seen the speaker at a conference a few years ago!

[Lizzy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Did the book in one sitting - Easy read! - recommend it

[John Haynes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Never knew about this ever before and know so many fathers experience it now from reading the book! AMAZING BOOK!

[Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I watched the film on amazon prime and had to get the book after suffering after my twins were born. My wife now understands it and family - Great easy and honest read.