Parenting and Mental Health: Confronting the Challenges of Parenthood

Parenthood can be both rewarding and overwhelming. The mental health of parents plays a crucial role in their well-being and, ultimately, in the emotional and psychological development of their children. It’s vital to ensure your home is supported by addressing mental health challenges as they arise during parenting.

Is it the Baby Blues or Postpartum Depression?

For many new parents, the early days of parenting mean a whirlwind of emotions. The ‘baby blues’ are common and affect about 70-80% of birthing parents. Symptoms include mild mood swings, irritability and fatigue within the first two weeks after giving birth. Baby blues are a short period of emotional adjustment to hormonal changes, physical recovery and the sudden responsibilities of caring for a newborn.

If these feelings of sadness, anxiety and hopelessness continue, this may indicate postpartum depression (PPD); a serious mental health condition affecting around 1 in 7 birthing parents in Australia. Unlike the baby blues, PPD can last for multiple months, often requiring professional intervention. Parents with PPD may experience social withdrawal, difficulty bonding with their baby and a persistent sense of failure.

It’s important to recognize that PPD doesn’t only affect birthing parents; non-birthing parents can also experience postpartum depression, highlighting the need for support that encompasses all caregivers.

The Impact of Untreated Parental Mental Illness

Parenting can be stressful, tiring and overwhelming on a good day, causing some parents to neglect their mental health. Symptoms of mental illness may be dismissed as ‘normal’, while guilt and fear of judgment can prevent them from seeking help.

However, ignoring these issues can affect both the parent and child. Untreated mental health problems reduce a parent's ability to engage and support their child, which can lead to emotional neglect, stress or childhood trauma. Research shows that children of parents with untreated mental illness face higher risks of developing psychological issues, behavioural problems and academic difficulties, emphasizing the need for early intervention.

How Mental Wellbeing Affects Your Home

Mental health isn’t a luxury — it's essential for a thriving family. Addressing your mental health early allows you to model resilience, teach coping skills and create a nurturing environment for your children. Raising a child is challenging, but no parent should go through it alone. By caring for your mental health, you can offer your child the love, stability and emotional presence they need. Supporting your wellbeing is one of the greatest gifts you can give them.

Finding Strength in Seeking Help

Many parents, especially mothers, feel the pressure of expectations around 'perfect' parenting. When struggling with mental health, they may face additional barriers to seeking support, such as shame or fear of being labelled a ‘bad parent’.

It is important to remember that seeking help is a sign of strength, not failure, and support is available for everyone navigating parenthood. Some of the services available include:

• Counselling and Therapy: Individual or family therapy with a psychologist or counsellor offers a safe space to process emotions and develop coping strategies.

• Support Groups: Connecting with other parents, either online or in-person, provides validation and shared experiences.

• Postpartum Specialists: Therapists specializing in perinatal mental health can address the unique stresses of pregnancy and postpartum.

• Hotlines and Crisis Support: Immediate help is available online and via hotlines. Find some of these resources at the end of this blog.

• Self-Care and Mindfulness: Meditation, journaling, exercise and rest can help manage daily stress. Remember to take time for yourself to relax.

Creating a personalised support system is essential, as needs vary for each individual. You should explore what works best for your unique situation.

Supporting Parents with Pre-existing Mental Illness

For parents with ongoing conditions like depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder or neurodivergence, several strategies can make a difference:

• Openly communicating with healthcare providers through family planning and the parenting journey

• Leaning on a support system of friends, family or partners

• Working with doctors, psychologists and counsellors to create safe, effective treatment plans that prioritise both your mental health and your child’s wellbeing

Ongoing Support for Parents

Remember, mental health care isn’t just important during the early years of parenting. Ongoing self-care and seeking support when needed are both essential for your wellbeing and for raising emotionally resilient children. Prioritising your mental health allows you to be fully present for your child, modelling the importance of wellbeing in every stage of life.

If you or someone you know is struggling with the demands of parenting and mental health, our team at Psychwest is here to help. Reach out today to connect with a counsellor or psychologist.

For more immediate support and resources you can access the hotlines/links below:

Ngala: https://www.ngala.com.au (08 9368 9368 – metro, or 1800 111 546 – regional)

PANDA – Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia: https://panda.org.au/get-support/support-new-parents (1300 726 306)

ForWhen: https://forwhenhelpline.org.au/for-parents/ (1300 24 23 22)