Men Matter Too
This week has been pretty full on, with International Women’s Day in regards to female empowerment, supporting women and the beginning of the week, releasing my own personal story on my struggle with postnatal depression and going from success to selling my business, taking time out and not knowing who I was anymore.
Here’s a link to my article, if you haven’t already read it https://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/health/post-natal-depression-severe-close-26374062
I feel very passionate about the topic of postnatal, from all aspects.
I feel that it is a taboo subject and many women, like myself feel reluctant to share their story, ask for help or even admit how they are feeling, in fear of being judged or worse, having concerns over their parenting.
I feel that there is not enough awareness around the topic of postnatal as a whole, for mums and dads, especially when returning to work.
This can be such a stressful time, you have this precious new addition to your life, who you adore, you don’t want to leave them, you are tired from sleepless nights, probably not eating as well as you should be, not looking after yourself properly and then you’re thrown back into a working environment where for the woman she may be suffering from severe brain fog, so she feels completely out of her depth in a role she once won at and for the man, if mum is still at home looking after the child, he is worried about her being stressed and he wants to help as much as he can too.
It’s a tough time all around, whilst feeling the happiest you’ve ever felt in your life, navigating this new journey you’re on and the world around us just expects us to get on with it with ease, but unfortunately, it’s not that simple for many people.
Working environments can be for many people a release and a time to be themselves again, a break a normal routine, but for some it can be a stress that can tip them over the edge, especially with very little support in that situation.
Wouldn’t it be great, if we could improve the working environment to ensure staff are understood, well supported and not fearful of admitting when things get tough.
Wouldn’t it be great if instead of hearing about regimental, old school leaders and managers, that we have more proactive, empathetic leaders who aim to create a culture of positive wellbeing within the workplace.
My aim is to highlight this taboo subject and help parents who still want a successful career, get the love and support they need and deserve, because we can have it all and we shouldn’t be made to feel less valued now we are parents and have other responsibilities, we can and will still do an amazing job at both.
Faith, love and joy
Emma Jay