Postpartum Depression Story - Andrew Shares A Dad's Perspective 👨👨‍👩‍👦‍👦
Channel: Postpartum Depression Support
Date: 29/04/2019

Meet Andrew!! My first dad postpartum depression story on this channel!

I met Andrew in Seattle when I was making up my workday that I couldn't complete in Vancouver. I shared my postpartum depression project with him in one of the exercises we were working on and he was immediately intrigued. For the first time, his experience as a father was making sense and he wanted to know more.

As you'll discover in the postpartum depression story, Andrew and his wife have adopted 2 boys. It may seem surprising that a father would experience postpartum depression. But surveys report that 1 in 10 men can experience postpartum depression. Check out Andrew's story to hear what it is like from a man's perspective.

I believe this postpartum depression story is unique because it speaks to what men are experiencing. My heart behind this postpartum depression project is to be a voice for people who are struggling and aren't able to speak up for themselves because of shame, fear or guilt. I KNOW there are other men out there who are experiencing postpartum depression and for whatever reason are not able to speak up or ask for support. I hope this postpartum depression story will crack open a light in the darkness and bring new found strength to men to begin to share their stories with others. It's in the story telling that we begin to find healing.

In the video, I talk about a couple of phrases I use to help generate compassion with myself when I'm feeling judgment towards my experience or thoughts. I didn't quite nail the phrases accurately in the video so here they are:

"When I heard/saw __________ or/When __________ happened, I felt _______ because I value/need ______________. No wonder I felt __________"

This exercise helps me validate myself when I am having a difficult experience and I am judging how I behaved or felt. It reminds me that my feeling make sense in light of what I value.

For example, "When the kids fight, I feel scared because I value connection and love. No wonder I felt scared. 

"Even though I feel _____________, what I know to be true is ______________"

This exercise reminds me that what I'm feeling or believing in my mind are not the absolute truth. When I acknowledge how I feel but remind myself of what is actually true, it helps me to move forward and not stay stuck.

For example, "Even though I feel like giving up, what I know to be true is I am unstoppable and I'll pick myself back up and keep going after I give myself a small break."

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★ Connect with the community! ★
Facebook: www.facebook.com/postpartumjoy
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/postpartumdepressionsupport/
Closed Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/groups/postpartumjoy

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I invite you to join our private Facebook support group for Postpartum Depression & Anxiety: www.facebook.com/groups/postpartumjoy

This is a closed support group of women who have previously or are currently experiencing postpartum depression and anxiety in some shape or form, no matter how big or small. This community is a safe, open, honest and vulnerable space where you can be seen, heard, supported, acknowledged and validated. The intention of this community is to share stories, resources, skills and encouragement to generate freedom and joy. I believe when others bring forth what they are experiencing in the dark, it allows the light to come in. When people see themselves in the stories, they realize they are not crazy or alone, which helps remove the guilt and shame.
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1 in 6 women and 1 in 10 men experience postpartum depression (PPD) in the months after a baby arrives home. Not only does PPD make it difficult for parents to care for themselves and their babies, it compromises bonding and attachment, and disrupts the quality of life. The most devastating and earth rattling effects of PPD can be harm to self and/or others or even death. Too many people are suffering alone. Through this channel, I want people to experience freedom and hope. Others are experiencing postpartum depression too, and together, we can make a difference.

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has." - Margaret Mead
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The Pacific Postpartum Support Society is a local charity supporting women and families with postpartum depression in the Vancouver Lower Mainland in BC, Canada. Refer to their website for donations so they can keep doing the awesome that they are doing! http://postpartum.org/ways-to-help/
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