Many parents with mental health problems are able to give their children safe and loving care, without their children being negatively affected in any way. But sometimes, parents with mental health problems need support from family members, friends, neighbours and/or professionals, to help them care for their children.
The use of the term ‘parental mental health problems’ in this instance means that a parent or carer has a diagnosable mental health condition. We’re including mental health problems experienced during pregnancy and following birth, referred to as ‘perinatal mental health problems’.
Conditions parents might experience include:
- depression
- anxiety disorders
- schizophrenia
- bipolar disorder
- personality disorders.
Mental health problems can vary in severity and impact differently on people’s day to day lives. This depends on parents’ individual circumstances and the support they receive.
Parental mental health problems might occur alongside other stressful life experiences.
Challenges may arise as a result of the condition, contribute to the condition developing, or make it worse. For example, if a parent is experiencing financial problems, this can negatively affect their mental health. And if the parent becomes unable to work due to their mental health, this can exacerbate their financial problems.
Coping with lots of challenges at once can make it difficult for parents to provide their children with the care that they need.
The NSPPC have put together some information to help you recognise when parents with mental health problems need help to care for their children and how to provide appropriate support. This includes:
- the impact of parental mental health problems on family life
- signs that a child or their family might need support
- carrying out assessments with families where parents have a mental health problem
- providing appropriate and effective support
- a summary of the relevant legislation and guidance from across the UK.
For further information, please click on this link: Parental Mental Health Resources