Mental Health Issues In Parents – Parenting is one of the hardest jobs there is—you get no days off, no salary, and often very little thanks for all your hard work. And while it is also one of the most rewarding jobs that many parents wouldn’t trade for the world, all too often parents are battling an unseen and unappreciated struggle with their mental health. If you are a parent who feels that you are fighting an internal battle to be the best parent possible while also keeping your own head above water, know that help and support is available for you, and you do not have to keep struggling alone. Horizon Counselling offers services for parents dealing with mental health struggles that can help you feel in control of your life once again. Putting yourself first by looking after your own mental health is not selfish—it is a commitment to being the best parent that you can be for your children and your family.
How can mental health affect parenting?
Your state of mind greatly impacts your parenting abilities, and while it is very hard to admit that you might not be providing the best care possible for your children, unfortunately mental health struggles all too often negatively affect the parent-child relationship—often without the parent even realising it. This can manifest itself in several different ways, such as:
- Failing to provide structure or needed routines
- Missing key signs of the child’s needs
- Improper nutrition
- Difficulty building a relationship with children
- And more
These effects are not indications of a moral or character failing on your part—you love your children and are doing your very best to provide them the best possible care despite your own personal struggles. It just means that you are dealing with immense amounts of mental strain in your own right and adding the draining job of parenting to the mix requires more than superhuman strength. If you have noticed signs that your mental health struggles are affecting your parenting, it might be time to reach out to a counsellor for external support.
Counselling for parents with mental health issues
It is important to keep at the forefront of your mind that struggling with mental health does not make you a bad parent and reaching out for the help of a licensed counsellor will help you to heal and be able to better meet the needs of your children. Although instinct might dictate sacrificing everything for your children, the fact of the matter is that taking the time to care for yourself and cultivate your own mental health is required to be the best parent that you can for your children. Some of the issues that parents commonly face that require counselling include:
- Feelings of anxiety and depression
- Mental health issues related to sleep disturbances or insomnia
- Mood swings
- Negative effects of stress
- Extreme guilt or personal blame
- Pre-existing disorders such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, obsessive compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and many more
Whether you are struggling with these issues because of difficulties experienced after becoming a parent, or you have been dealing with diminished mental health prior to parenthood, Horizon Counselling can help you to work through the underlying causes and implement coping strategies that can help you enjoy your role as a parent and connect to your children productively again. If you or someone you know is a parent struggling with decreased mental health, you do not have to go through it alone. There are answers, options, and support waiting for you with the counsellors at Horizon Plymouth, who understand the individual and complex issues surrounding parenthood and mental health. Don’t wait to seek help—contact Horizon Plymouth today to schedule your initial consultation.