Local father joins mums to run in Omagh Half Marathon to raise awareness of post-natal depression

by Gráinne Connolly

Patrick Moxon's wife Claire suffered with post-natal depression after the birth of their first child. 

Q Radio recently spoke to Claire about her battle and how she has been able to recover with the help of a local charity 'Support 2gether'. 

To raise awareness of the illness, Claire and almost 100 other mums, dads and children are running in Omagh's Half Marathon tomorrow (Saturday) on behalf of the charity. 

(You can read Claire's story in the link and listen to her full interview as she shares her experience of dealing with post-natal depression and how she recovered: http://www.goqradio.com/tyroneandfermanagh/news/q-radio-local-news/the-jokes-on-post-natal-depression-this-april-fools-for-support2gether-charity/)

Now, Patrick has been trying to raise awareness of the illness, with hopes that other men or fathers will hear him and know that they're not alone in this battle. 

While post natal depression directly affects the mother who has had the child, it also affects everyone else in the household. 

Patrick says that after his wife gave birth, he had to step up a lot more in his role as a father and a husband so he could support Claire as she went through the difficult time. 

However, he feels that there isn't enough education about post-natal depression and that more needs to be done so that people are more aware of how it can affect mothers and how their partners can know the signs and how to deal with it. 

Patrick will be joining his wife Claire tomorrow to run in the Omagh Half Marathon on behalf of 'Support 2gether'. 

Like his wife, he said the charity helped them how to deal with the illness and educated him in ways to help and look after Claire. 

You can listen to Patrick's full interview in the link at the bottom of the page. 

https://www.facebook.com/Support-2gether-128553263887325/

Support for People Living with Postnatal Depression - Tel: 0783 5040086

Charity number xt 32671

Lifeline 0808 808 8000