Local Home-Starts across the UK have witnessed a 47% increase in parents with mental health difficulties. 1 in 2 parents referred for support now say they face difficulties with their mental health. Here at Home-Start Bedfordshire, referrals for parents struggling with anxiety, depression, and postnatal depression are common. Certainly, parents’ mental health is suffering.
Though we all want the best for our children, being a parent isn’t always easy. Indeed, coping with the daily challenges of mental health issues can make parenting even harder. That’s why protecting and preserving children’s and parents’ mental health is a key pillar of our charity’s purpose. Certainly, the mental wellbeing of a caregiver and a young child is connected. When parents’ mental health suffers, children can too. During the first years of life, a strong and healthy bond with their caregivers is vital for a child’s emotional and social development. However, poor parental mental health can significantly impact this bond. Our young child’s mental wellbeing could be affected.
Supporting Parents’ Mental Health
Crucially, all young children deserve good physical care, positive wellbeing, love, attention and opportunities for play and growth. Yet, problems arising as a result of mental health conditions can impact our ability to parent. Think of a parent struggling with anxiety. Their worries might make them less available to respond to their baby’s cues. This could lead to feelings of insecurity in their infant. Similarly, depression can affect a parent’s energy levels. This may impact a toddler’s playtime and interaction, crucial for emotional development. This is why it’s vital parents have somewhere to reach out for support when they struggle to cope.
Charlotte was suffering from PTSD after the very traumatic birth of her daughter, Lily. The constant fear that something bad might happen to Lily kept them both trapped indoors. Charlotte was anxious and had low confidence and self-esteem. Her perinatal team put her in touch with our charity. Kim, a Home-Start volunteer, visited their home. She gave Charlotte emotional support, assistance, and reassurance. Kim helped Charlotte and Lily get outside of their house, giving them opportunities for Lily to experience, learn and grow.
“I have really liked Kim visiting, she was exactly who I needed. She was so great with Lily, playing, building toys, giving her time and attention. There are not many people I feel comfortable leaving Lily with even if it’s only in the next room. It was so nice having someone removed from my family to talk to, who has no emotional attachment, for me to hear a different outside opinion. Her constant encouragement for me to take small steps, has opened the door to me getting my confidence back, to know I am capable of doing things. I’m trying really hard to now keep that going. I will really miss her, Thankyou so much” – Names have been changed for confidentiality.
Parents’ mental health is a priority. No parent should feel isolated and suffer alone with their mental health. Thanks to the compassion of our trained volunteers, Home-Start Bedfordshire is here for local parents when they need us the most because childhood can’t wait.