
Revolutionizing Fatherhood Support: Ottawa's New Initiative for New Dads
2025-07-08
Author: Charlotte
A New Chapter for Dads in Ottawa
Tom Gardener's experience in the hospital room was nothing short of life-altering. Clad in a paper gown, he faced an emergency situation alone, cradling his newborn daughter while his partner lay unconscious after a dramatic delivery—an intense 21-hour labor culminating in an emergency C-section. Left without support, Gardener turned to a hospital janitor for comfort.
"I felt so isolated. There was no men’s support group available for me during this critical time," Gardener shared. His story underscores a growing issue: the lack of outreach and support specifically tailored for fathers in the perinatal period—a time characterized by widespread change and often marked by mental health challenges.
Bridging the Gap: New Free Support Services
In response to this pressing need, Ottawa Public Health, in collaboration with McMaster University, is launching free, nine-week virtual Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) sessions designed for fathers battling perinatal depression and anxiety this fall. These sessions aim to create a supportive community that acknowledges and validates the emotional challenges new fathers face.
Genevieve Mosher, a project officer nurse with the City of Ottawa, emphasizes that while much focus has traditionally been on mothers, it's vital to recognize the mental health needs of fathers. "We want to normalize men's mental health experiences just like we do for women,” she said.
Understanding Paternal Perinatal Depression
Paternal perinatal depression affects nearly 10% of fathers during pregnancy and up to a year postpartum. A study highlighted that this rate doubles compared to other times in their lives, leading men to feel overwhelmed, powerless, or even resentful towards their newborns. Those suffering may also experience anxiety, depression, and other negative emotional states.
Changing Narratives: Building Communities for Dads
Gardener's challenges weren't limited to the delivery room. After his daughter's birth, the world was thrown into chaos as the pandemic emerged, leading to the collapse of his home life and employment status. Seeking help, he discovered a Facebook group—the Ottawa Dads Group. While initially lacking in community support, Gardener took the initiative to transform it into a space where fathers could connect, share experiences, and support one another.
Breaking Down Stigmas and Redefining Masculinity
Gardener and advocates like Mark Williams from the U.K. are rallying attention toward the importance of fathers' mental health. Williams experienced his own struggles during his partner's postnatal depression, leading him to form his own support group—Fathers Reaching Out.
Both men emphasize the necessity of community, friendship, and an open dialogue about mental health for dads. Breaking down traditional gender norms about masculinity is vital for encouraging men to seek support and express vulnerability.
The Power of Cognitive Restructuring
Ottawa's new program will employ CBT techniques to help fathers combat negative thinking patterns. By focusing on cognitive restructuring, participants will learn to balance their thoughts and emotions, a process that can significantly improve their mental well-being during a challenging transition.
Eligibility for these sessions is straightforward: fathers must be 18 or older, have a child aged 18 months or younger, and have access to technology to participate.
Empowering Future Generations Through Support
By fostering strong, emotionally healthy fathers, Ottawa’s initiative aims to create a ripple effect that strengthens family dynamics and positively impacts children’s futures. As Gardener continues to navigate fatherhood, he's redefining what it means to be a man—encouraging others to step into vulnerability and seek the support they need.