Support for Dad

Support Groups for Dad

Fathers Inc.

If you are a father in the Capital Region in need of support, a place to talk, an arena to learn about yourself, an environment to share your experiences, among friends to express your frustrations or within a source to help you with solutions, this is a group you should not miss.

Building Healthy Families ...Moment by Moment...One Father a Time! For more information call Fathers Inc. at 518-221-5184 or visit their web site at www.fathersinc.org.

Fathers' Rights Association of NYS Inc. (FRA)

FRA offers: monthly meetings, interstate contacts, divorce and parenting reform information, support groups. Contact them at 518-869-9463.

Father Time

Father Time is a support group for fathers, offered by Parson's Early Head Start Program in collaboration with Family and Child Service of Schenectady. The program honors and supports the significant positive impact that fathers have in the lives of their children. Please call Eric Carlson at  518-393-1369 for more information.

Alpha Pregnancy Care Center

Alpha Pregnancy Care Center offers Father's Classes on Parenting. Please call 518-462-2188 or visit their web site at www.alphacare.org

Post Partum Depression Survival Tips for Dads

Fathers are sometimes forgotten when a woman is experiencing postnatal depression.It is really important that fathers look after themselves during this difficult period and maintain their own mental health.

Some suggestions from other fathers are listed below:

• Remember that postnatal depression will pass
• Make sure you exercise, relax, and set aside tiem for yourself. If you are worried about leaving your wife alone, get a friend or relative to stay with her while you go out.
• Find someone you can talk to honestly about your feelings-Friends, family, counselor, etc.
• Plan some time together as a couple and try to do an activity that you both enjoy before the baby was born.
• Get involved in any support group offered for men and discuss hoe you are truly feeling inside.
• Do not try to solve your partner's problems-just listen to what she has to say.
• Accept offers of help from others, or organize for someone to help with meals, housework, and the children.
• Once your partner is on the way to recovery, attend couples counseling, if you have the opportunity.
• Ask your partner what you can do to help, she will appreciate it.
• Encourage your partner to seek professional help if she has not already done so and to take the doctors advice if it seems reasonable.
• Expect your partner to be moody, irritable, volatile, and teary, and try not take anything she says or does as personal attack.
• One feature of postnatal depression is a lack of sex drive. It is not personal, it is a symptom of the illness. Your partner is probably feeling overwhelmed, exhausted and less than excited about herself.
• Live life one day at a time!

Sometimes life can seem overwhelming while you are supporting your partner through postnatal depression. The pressures of home life, combined with the demands of work and other activities can be significant. Look for support.

Links to more information and help:

www.postpartumdads.org

www.beyonblue.org

MINCR Support Groups

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