Speaker: Mark Williams, Campaigner, Author , Keynote Speaker, Neuronatal and Fathers Reaching Out
Which activities or hobbies have had a positive impact on your mental health?
Mark Williams: And, one of the things I do say is, activities is such an important part of my life. It is whether it's playing football or watching football. It could be, going to the gym, you know, exercising, for instance, walking in the mountains and being very mindful to the point. I've done even cold water therapy, last week on the spur of the moment. And, that's another thing that really helped my mental health. So it's really important the exercise and hobbies. But actually, it's really important that we engage and actually be around people who are like minded people like ourselves, and that can help as well
Are there any books, podcasts, or resources related to mental health that you've found valuable or insightful?
Mark Williams: I have written a couple of books myself actually called Daddy Blues. There's actually a free film, actually on, Amazon Prime called Daddy Blues. It gives you a good insight of a father looking after their partners with postnatal depression and obviously witnessing traumatic birth, etc So, a podcast if you had a new dad, and mums, they need to be educated as well for new fathers. And it's called How are you Dad as well.
Is there a particular person or support network that has played a significant role in supporting your mental health?
Mark Williams: I think there's many people over the years, but, certainly my youth worker, Stan Norris MBE. He was a youth worker who said, I can do anything in my life When, um, unfortunately, teachers said I was thick and stupid, so, you know, in the eighties, So, um, it certainly was a certainly a role model for myself. And, of course, I'm I'm pretty fortunate. I got a lot of good family and friends around me and close friends, and, but certainly Dr Jane Hanley, where I've been working for the last 13 years, working together to actually campaign and change more holistically how we support parents during the perinatal period.
What would you say to other people who are experiencing poor mental health?
Mark Williams: I say, the quicker the help, the quicker the recovery. And, I wish I knew that before I had a breakdown, but, I suffered in silence for years. and I was in my late thirties, and and, what I would say is is, you know, get the help. There's no shame a lot of people more talking about it now there's more like minded people is the education is out there now, so, you know, do it yourself. And also that will benefit your family, your children and obviously, society in the long term as well. So don't suffer in silence like I did. And there's lots of good resources out there now as well, which can actually engage with you and get that support you need as well. Thanks.
.png)