For parents struggling with their mental health, it is common to feel anxious about the additional difficulties that they may face – but there is help and support available
CREDIT: This is an edited version of an article that originally appeared on Mind
Many people worry that it will be difficult to cope with parenting if they have a mental health problem. It is natural to be concerned about the impact this could have on you and your children but, with the right support and resources, it is perfectly possible to be a good parent while managing a mental health problem and to care for, and support, your children in a positive way.
All parents face challenges, but if you are coping with a mental health problem you may face additional difficulties – for example:
The everyday challenges of parenting: a mental health problem can make the day-to-day challenges of parenting feel harder; anxiety may make you more easily worried, or depression may mean that you have low energy.
The impact of your mental health on your children: you may worry about how your mental health affects your child – for example, whether they may experience stress or mental health problems themselves.
Dealing with other people’s negative ideas about mental health problems: you or your child may have difficulties because of other people’s assumptions or judgements about mental health. People may judge your parenting abilities because you have a mental health problem, or your child may be bullied or teased.
Asking your children for help around the home: if your child has to take on responsibilities around the home to help you, such as preparing food or getting younger siblings ready for school, this may have an impact on their school work or the amount of free time they have to play, or see their friends.
Feeling safe to ask for help: you may find it hard to seek help because you are worried that people may see you as a less capable parent; this can lead you to put pressure on yourself to cope for longer than you are able.
Managing in a crisis: there may be times when you become unwell and can’t carry out your usual parenting responsibilities, or have to go to hospital; this can cause practical issues, stress and worry for you and your family.
What support is available?
If you are parenting with a mental health problem there may be times when you need additional support to help you cope. Different types of services are available for you and your family.
Advocacy – an advocate is an independent person whose role is to listen to your needs and support your choices. The Mind Infoline can help you find out whether there’s an advocacy service in your area.
Mental health services – if you would like to access a mental health service, talk to your GP or a mental health worker. They can tell you what support is available and refer you to a local service – such as:.
health visitor: can offer support, advice and information on the parenting of young children while managing your mental health;
community mental health team: offer intensive support to help you manage your mental health problem more effectively and cope better as a parent;
parent and baby unit: this is a place where you can look after your baby, under the care of a specialist mental health team, while being treated for a mental health problem.
Social care – social care offers services for both adults and children to help parents struggling with their mental health.
Adult services: if you need extra support your local authority may be able to advise you and provide some help through adult social care. To access this you need to ask for social care needs assessment. This should be carried out in a way that ensures your involvement and takes enough time to capture all of your needs.
Children’s services: in addition to support from adult social care services, you and your child may also be entitled to support from children’s social care services. In England, local authorities have a duty to safeguard and promote the welfare of any children ‘in need’, and their families, under section 17 of the Children Act 1989. This automatically includes disabled children and any child whose health or development is likely to be negatively affected if the local authority doesn’t provide support. The fact that you have a mental health problem won’t automatically mean that your child is in need; the local authority has to carry out an assessment of your child’s needs to decide this. Children who perform caring roles are likely to meet the criteria for being a child in need, in recognition that a caring role can often impact on their health and development.
Adult and children’s services should work together in assessing your family’s needs.
Charities and voluntary organisations – in some areas voluntary mental health organisations and family charities may offer services that might be able to help you – these might be face-to-face, via email, text or via a helpline or online forum. You can usually refer yourself by telephoning, emailing to make an appointment or attending a drop-in session.
Children with parents who experience mental health problems can also benefit from extra support sometimes. There are a wide range of services that offer different kinds of services for varying age groups. To find out what support is available in your area, search online or talk to a relevant professional, such as a GP. Support available should include:
Be the first to comment