In the NZ Herald today:
Fathers hit by baby blues, too.
New figures from the Australian Antenatal and Postnatal Depression Association show that between 10 and 33 percent of new fathers suffer from Post-Natal depression.
Keegan Brendon Madeline Smith photo: Doug Sherring NZHerald 27th March 2011
Auckland Father and Child worker Brendon Smith was interviewed (below). Although the article linked to the Plunket website offering access to father’s groups, sadly they neglected to link to fatherandchild.org.nz, or mention the weekly support meeting in Onehunga.
Year long struggle
As a new father, Brendon Smith sank into depression while trying to cope with the needs of his partner and two babies.
He noticed the changes 10 years ago when his children were aged 6 months and 18 months, while watching their mother go through similar symptoms.
“Even though I’d heard the term postnatal depression, I didn’t really understand it,” he says. “I didn’t like going to work and I didn’t want to see my mates.”
The symptoms continued for about a year after Smith, who was 37, left his role in IT sales to become a stay-at-home dad. Smith has become a support worker for Father and Child, a trust set up by fathers for fathers.
Father & Child is increasingly becoming aware of (separated) parents who leave Christchurch with their children without consulting the other parent.
In many cases Parenting Orders made by the Family Court specify that children cannot be taken out of the region without consulting the other parent. Once out of the city the children will be deprived of their time with the parent staying behind, which they are entitled to under a Parenting Order.
Father & Child advises that the current State of Emergency does not invalidate Family Court Orders, and parents must continue to adhere to them unless both agree that it is in the best interest of the child not to. Where the living situation has become unsafe for one parent, children should in the first instance be taken to other legal guardians, generally the other parent.
Maintaining the established routine of how care is shared between two separated parents is also an important part in restoring a sense of normality for children, and a move out of town and away from one parent may, in fact, further increase anxieties and feelings of insecurity.
It is good to be able to work for father and child here in Wellington. Personally, Father and Child will bring much needed help for men in general and especially young men with children.
Exciting times are ahead and I am glad I’ll be along for the journey.
Cheers Q.
Father & Child’s new (and first) Wellington Coordinator is Quentin Solomon. Quentin has 3 children aged 1-9 and comes with a background in youth, sports and Maori health. Give him a ring and say hello on (04) 909 7294.
