These Dads Are Doing It Right – Part 166 – Dads Helping Others Through Tough Times 

This week for the These Dads Are Doing It Right series I putting the spotlight on dads who are helping others through tough times. From writing books to setting up dad groups these dads are sharing their experiences to help others.  If there are any other dads that you think we should check out leave their name and info in the comment section below.

Malcolm Newsome – Dear Star Baby

Malcolm Newsome is a children’s book author and cyber security expert from the Chicago area. He is a married father of five who has a deep passion for telling stories of hope and possibilities. After the first three children were born, his family suffered multiple miscarriages. He hopes his debut picture book, Dear Star Baby, will bring healing to the millions of other families who experience this kind of grief. Purchase his book here. Plus, check out my interview with Malcolm when he was on a panel that I hosted. 

Postpartum Support International – Supporting Dads Through Tough Times 

Postpartum Support International are there for moms and dad. They can help you whether you are a dad trying to support a partner or you think you may be experiencing a perinatal mood. In addition they want you to know that you are not alone and that by getting the right kind of support, you will get better. Did you you know that one in ten dads gets postpartum depression? In addition, up to 18% develop a clinically significant anxiety disorder. It can be generalized anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder. 

It can happen at some point during the pregnancy or the first year postpartum. As part of PSI’s commitment to a whole-family, father-inclusive approach to perinatal mental health, Postpartum Support International is proud to sponsor the annual International Fathers’ Mental Health Day. This day looks to raise awareness and decrease stigma that these dads often face. You can get more information about IFMHD on their Facebook page.

Gary Roe – Writing About Loss 

Gary’s story began with a childhood of mixed messages and sexual abuse. This touched the core of his being and skewed everything. He buried the memories to survive. Gary started to become an over-achieved at everything, but the emptiness remained. Over the years he lost friends. His parents divorced. Gary’s dad died in front of him. His mom attempted suicide. Life, his life, was falling apart. Another family took him in. He began to experience love and acceptance on a new level. Gary’s heart began to settle. His healing journey began. Gary found himself wanting to help other wounded hearts heal and grow. Over the next three decades, he served as a campus minister, a missionary in Japan, an entrepreneur in Hawaii, and a pastor. He is currently a writer, chaplain, and grief counselor with Hospice Brazos Valley in central Texas.

Dads in Distress 

Dads in Distress is a group part of Parents Beyond Breakup. This group supports parents experiencing trauma through family breakdown and separation anxiety. In addition, they acknowledge the specific issue of parent-child contact and custody battles commonly termed ‘parental alienation’. This is a factor closely linked to stress, separation anxiety, depression, isolation and suicide in Australia. For more information on how to get through the tough times check out their website.