Who am I? And why did I start MK Dads Club?

My name is Luke. I’m 34, a husband, and a dad to a 17-month-old boy.

Last year, when I entered into fatherhood, I happened to be wearing this jumper to bring our boy home. It summed up parenthood perfectly for me – we are all just trying our best to do the best for the ones we love.

The reality was, I didn’t feel like I was ever doing my best. I felt like I was failing, and I felt incredibly lonely while watching my wife thrive. No one ever “admits” to struggling in fatherhood, and social media definitely doesn’t help.

I was struggling with being a dad, a husband, a friend, a brother, a colleague, and most of all – being me. I felt like I was drowning trying to stay on top of everything. I felt like I was letting everyone down.

I didn’t want to burden my wife with what I was feeling; she had already been through so much, and was continuing to go through it. She was already bearing the weight of her own new reality – I wasn’t going to ask her to bear the weight of mine, too.

This led me to struggle in silence, maintaining a facade that everything was fine and that I was providing for my family. It wasn’t until my wife sat me down and told me she knew I was struggling that I finally felt like I could share and get help.

I was diagnosed with postnatal depression in July last year. I sought help through MK Talking Therapies, and I now attend therapy every other week. I am in a much better place today because I asked for help.

My Mission

My goal with MK Dads Club is to ensure that no father feels isolated, like they’re failing, or like they are losing themselves. I want to create a community where the burden is shared, experiences are discussed, and hope is found in connection.

Whether you’re currently going through what I went through and need help, or you’re on the other side of it and want to lend a hand – MK Dads Club will be a better community with you in it.

Thank you for coming on this journey with me.