Your Mental Health as a Parent
“It’s the hardest job in the world” is an oft-uttered phrase when people speak about being parents. A cliché, but a true one…It's one of those expressions that has become widely used and accepted over time due to its relatability and resonance with the challenges of raising children.
And nowhere is this challenge more keenly felt than with your mental health.
Parenting mental health refers to your psychological wellbeing; encompassing the emotional, cognitive, and behavioural aspects of mental health that are influenced by the responsibilities of raising children.
Stress factors
Parenting naturally comes with high levels of stress and pressure. After all, you are raising little humans, tending to their needs, feeding, and educating them while trying to ensure they also have fun and are happy. Throw in your own work, goals and hobbies and it’s a crazy balancing act that could floor a world-class gymnast!
Balancing work, household responsibilities and caring for children can quickly lead to frustration and exhaustion, which can in turn, affect your mental wellbeing.
Let’s not discount postpartum depression and anxiety either - both of which are common health challenges that affect some moms after giving birth. Hormonal changes, lack of sleep and the demands of caring for a new-born can contribute to these conditions. Postpartum depression and anxiety require proper attention and support.
Taking care of your mental health is non-negotiable for effective parenting. It’s up to you to prioritise self-care activities that help reduce stress, such as exercise, socialising, maintaining your hobbies and carving out time to just relax.
Continuous stress and exhaustion can lead to parental burnout, which is characterised by emotional exhaustion, detachment, and a sense of being overwhelmed by parenting responsibilities.
It takes a village!
No man is an island, and it really does take a village to help raise happy and healthy children. Grandparents, relatives, cousins, and friends are all there to lend a helping hand (or two) when necessary - so don’t take it for granted.
This saying is rooted in the understanding that children benefit from a wide range of experiences, influences, and guidance beyond their immediate family. Plus, the priceless bonus of support when you need it most.
- Family and friends bring unique perspectives and skills to a child's upbringing. A diverse network of caregivers and role models can expose children to a variety of viewpoints and experiences, helping them develop a broader understanding of the world.
- A strong support network can offer emotional reassurance, a listening ear, and a sense of belonging, which can reduce stress and isolation for both parents and children. Knowing that you're not alone in your struggles and having people to talk to can help alleviate feelings of isolation and stress.
- How great is that sense of relief when you simply can’t get away from work, but you know that your parents can fetch your child from school? When parenting duties are shared amongst a supportive community, parents feel far less stress and burnout. Knowing that others are there to help with childcare, school activities or other responsibilities is invaluable relief.
- When you need that one day off to just catch up on your reading or zone out with a TV series, a supportive village can offer the respite you need. Knowing that your kids are in good hands for a few hours can allow you the freedom to rest and recharge.
- Parents often feel the pressure to be "perfect" in their roles. A village approach reminds you that you don't need to have all the answers and that it's okay to seek help. This can lessen the burden of unrealistic expectations and reduce stress.
Remember: a happy and healthy parent is a role model to raise happy and healthy kids.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only. Always check with your doctor or medical practitioner about any health concerns, before embarking on any fitness or nutrition programme, or using any medication.