Mental Health and Parenting
Many parents and carers struggle with mental health problems while caring for their children. The key thing is to talk to someone and not be afraid to get some extra support so that you can continue to provide a safe and loving environment for your children.
Below we have gathered some resources and places parents can go to seek support.
Mental Health Foundation - How your mental health can affect parenting
Mind - What are the challenges of parenting with a mental health problem
NSPCC - Help and advice for parents and families living with mental health problems
Royal College of Psychiatrists - Parental mental illness
I'm a parent/carer struggling with a mental health issue, what can I do?
- Make an appointent to see your GP
- Speak to the Samaritans or Crisis Support Line if you are experiencing suicidal thoughts or feelings
- Avoid alcohol and drugs as they can make your mental illness worse
- Find a parent support group for peer-to-peer support
- PACT (Parents and Carers Together) is a local charity that supports the wellbeing of parents and their children.
- Suffolk Parent Carer Forum supports parents and carers of children with SEND. - Get support and advice from Wellbeing Service or Suffolk Mind
- Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) is a charity that provides anoymous and confidential support to men and dads.
I am worried about my child or young person's mental health
- Speak to your GP
- Make a referral to the Emotional Wellbeing Hub (if you live in East and West Suffolk) or Just One Service (if you live in Lowestoft and Waveney)
- Kooth provides wellbeing support to young people aged 11-25.
Useful Mental Health Support websites for families
Emotional Wellbeing Gateway website - has information, advice and resources on mental health issues. (The site allows you to do a keyword search for local community support groups in your area.)
Wellbeing Suffolk – The wellbeing service provides a range of online courses and webinars.
Wellbeing in Education Website - For schools and educational settings, and parent and carers.
Just One Norfolk - Mental health support service in Lowesoft and Waveney or call 0300 300 0123
ChatHealth Text 07507 333356
The Source - a website for young people in Suffolk, that covers a range of information and advice on health and wellbeing topics.
Kooth - a free, safe and anonymous online emotional wellbeing and counselling service four young people in Suffolk aged 11-25.
Suffolk Sendiass - (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Information Advice and Support Service).
Suffolk Local Offer website - Local support and opportunities for children and young people with SEND.
PACT (Parents And Carers Together) - Support parents and carers to support the mental health of their children and young people.
Home-Start - Provide one-one volunteer-based, home-visiting, family support. Support is provided on a weekly basis, between the hours of 7am-8pm. Call 01473 621104.
Suffolk Minds - Have a number of resources and support for adults and children to help them stay well. Call: 0300 111 6000 (Monday – Friday 9am to 3.30pm).
Young Minds – A charity organisation that supports children and young people’s mental health.
Young Minds Crisis Text Messaging Service - for young people in emotional distress.
Young Minds Drug and Alcohol Use - advice page.
Royal College of Psychiatrists – has information for young people, parents and carers about young people’s mental health.
Recovery College - provides podcasts and online courses for those aged 16 and over on topics such as mental health and living meaningfully.
MindEd - has practical guidance, and learning modules for families and professionals.
Anna Freud National Centre for Children and Families – has a range of resources and support to parents, and an ‘On My Mind’ young person’s directory.
The Mix - Information and resources for young people on issues, such as mental health, homelessness and coping during lockdown.
Turning Point - Support for young people affected by drug and alcohol abuse.
CCI Centre for Clinical Information - Self Help Resources for Mental Health Problems. Easy to read workbooks for adults covering a variety of wellbeing issues including; anxiety, low mood, self-esteem, tolerating distress and assertiveness.
Free Parent and Carer Workshops
For a list of the latest free emotional wellbeing workshops for parent and carer, and school staff, delivered by the Psychology and Schools Team in Suffolk, go to the Wellbeing in Education Website,