Parental Mental Health and Family Wellbeing
Information for Parents, Carers and Families
Looking after children can be rewarding, but it can also be challenging. Many parents and carers experience times when they struggle with their mental health.
Mental health affects how we think, feel and cope with daily life. Like physical health, it can change over time. Most parents who experience mental health difficulties continue to provide safe, loving and caring homes for their children, especially when they receive the right support.
The good news is that help is available, and you do not have to manage things on your own.
What is Parental Mental Health?
Parental mental health refers to a parent’s emotional wellbeing and mental health.
Mental health difficulties can affect anyone and may include:
- Anxiety.
- Depression.
- Low mood.
- Stress.
- Trauma.
- Bipolar disorder.
- Perinatal mental health difficulties during pregnancy or after birth.
- Other mental health conditions.
Many people recover well with the right help and support.
Common Mental Health Difficulties
Anxiety
People experiencing anxiety may:
- Feel worried most of the time.
- Find it difficult to relax.
- Feel nervous or panicky.
- Struggle with everyday tasks.
Depression
People experiencing depression may:
- Feel sad or low.
- Have little energy.
- Lose interest in things they previously enjoyed.
- Find everyday activities difficult.
Perinatal Mental Health
Some parents experience mental health difficulties during pregnancy or after having a baby.
This can include:
- Anxiety.
- Low mood.
- Depression.
- Feeling overwhelmed.
- Difficulties bonding with a baby.
These experiences are more common than many people realise and support is available.
Other Mental Health Conditions
Some parents may experience more complex mental health conditions that affect day-to-day life in different ways.
The important thing to remember is that support is available and nobody should feel ashamed about asking for help.
Signs You May Need Some Extra Support
Everyone has difficult days.
It may be a good idea to seek support if you:
- Feel overwhelmed most of the time.
- Are often sad, worried or tearful.
- Have trouble sleeping.
- Feel constantly exhausted.
- Are avoiding people or activities you usually enjoy.
- Find it difficult to cope with everyday routines.
- Feel panicky or unable to manage daily life.
- Are struggling to look after yourself.
You do not need to wait until you reach crisis point.
Looking After Yourself Helps Your Child
Parents often put their children first and ignore their own wellbeing.
Looking after your mental health is not selfish.
When parents receive support, it can help children feel:
- Safer.
- More secure.
- More settled.
- Better supported.
Small steps can make a big difference.
What Can Parents Do?
Talk to Someone
Sharing worries can help.
You might talk to:
- A partner.
- A friend.
- A family member.
- Your GP.
- A Health Visitor.
- A Family Hub worker.
Keep Simple Routines
Children often feel safer when life is predictable.
Try to maintain:
- Mealtimes.
- School attendance.
- Bedtimes.
- Family routines.
No routine is perfect, but small routines can help children feel secure.
Be Honest with Your Child
Children often know when something is wrong.
Simple explanations can help.
For example:
“I have been feeling worried lately, but I am getting help and I love you very much.”
Children do not need all the details. Reassurance and honesty can help them feel safe.
Checking How Your Child is Feeling
Children may be affected when parents are struggling.
Most children cope well, but some may need extra support.
A child may:
- Become worried or anxious.
- Struggle with their emotions.
- Become withdrawn.
- Have trouble sleeping.
- Find it difficult to concentrate.
- Take on extra responsibilities at home.
- Worry about their parent.
You can help by:
- Checking in regularly.
- Asking how they are feeling.
- Reassuring them that they are not responsible for adult problems.
- Encouraging them to talk about worries.
When Should I Seek Help?
It is a good idea to ask for support if:
- Your mental health is affecting daily life.
- Family relationships are becoming difficult.
- You are worried about your child.
- You are struggling to cope.
- Things do not seem to be improving.
Support is most effective when people receive it early.
Help and Support Available in South Tyneside
Family Hubs
Family Hubs provide help with:
- Parenting.
- Emotional wellbeing.
- Family relationships.
- Financial worries.
- Accessing local support.
Telephone: 0800 783 4645
South Tyneside Mental Health Support Service
The Lifecycle and Healthy Minds services support adults experiencing:
- Anxiety.
- Low mood.
- Stress.
- Emotional difficulties.
South Tyneside Talking Therapies
South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust
Provides:
- Community mental health services.
- Specialist support.
- Mental health crisis support.
- NHS 111 Mental Health Crisis Line.
Mental Health Services [stsft.nhs.uk],
GP, Midwife and Health Visitor Support
Speak to:
- Your GP.
- Midwife.
- Health Visitor.
They can offer advice, support and referrals to other services where needed.
NSPCC
If you are worried about how your mental health may be affecting your child or need parenting support:
Telephone: 0808 800 5000
NSPCC Parenting and Mental Health Support
Samaritans
Free emotional support, 24 hours a day.
Telephone: 116 123
Get Urgent Help Now
Call NHS 111 and Select Option 2
If you need urgent mental health support, NHS 111 (Option 2) provides access to mental health crisis support 24 hours a day.
Call 999 Immediately If:
- You or someone else is in immediate danger.
- A child is at immediate risk of harm.
- Someone has seriously harmed themselves.
- There is a serious threat to life.
Worried About a Child?
If you are worried that a child may not be safe:
South Tyneside Children and Families Social Care
Telephone: 0191 424 5010
Out of Hours: 0191 456 2093
Emergency
Call 999 if a child is in immediate danger.
Key Message
Many parents experience mental health difficulties at some point in their lives. It does not mean you are failing as a parent, and it does not mean your child will be harmed. Support is available, recovery is possible, and asking for help is a sign of strength. Looking after your own wellbeing is one of the best ways to support your child and help your family thrive.