Parental Emotional Wellbeing and Mental Health

More about parental emotional wellbeing and mental health

Looking after your emotional wellbeing as a parent or carer means noticing how you feel and how you are coping day to day. It is normal to have ups and downs, especially during pregnancy or after having a baby. For some people, these feelings can last longer or feel harder to manage.

These feelings can be caused by many things. Changes to your body, lack of sleep, stress, money worries, or feeling unsure about parenting can all have an impact. Life events and lack of support can also make things feel more overwhelming.

You might feel low, anxious, tearful, or easily irritated. You may struggle to sleep, even when your baby is sleeping, or feel too tired to do everyday tasks. Some people feel disconnected from their baby or worry they are not coping well enough.

If these feelings do not go away, get worse, or make it hard to enjoy daily life, it is important to seek help. Speaking to someone you trust or a health professional can help you feel supported and understood. You are not alone, and with the right help, things can get better.

If you are feeling low, anxious or stressed, support is available. Mind Matters Surrey offers free and confidential talking therapies for people aged 17 and over who are registered with a Surrey GP. You can visit the Mind Matters Surrey or DHC Talking Therapies websites to find out more. If you are worried about a child or young person’s emotional wellbeing or mental health, you can contact Mindworks Surrey for advice and support.