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Mental Health Resources for Parents

Although it’s amazing and rewarding to watch your children grow up, it can also be really hard work. It can feel especially hard if your child's mood and behaviour seem different and you're not sure why, or what you can do to help. But you are not alone.

The Bulmershe School have worked incredibly hard to achieve the Wellbeing Award for Schools and aim to provide a healthy and caring environment for all of our students, but we also recognise that Parents might need help too.

Please find below a selection of resources dedicated to parents regarding both your child's mental health and looking after your own.

Looking after yourself - a Guide for Parents

Looking After Yourself: A Guide for Parents and Carers

Parenting is a rewarding journey, but it often comes with its own set of challenges. When supporting a child, especially one facing mental health difficulties, it's easy to prioritise their needs above your own. However, it's essential to remember that your well-being is just as important.

Why Self-Care Matters

Taking time for yourself isn't a luxury - it's a necessity. Regular self-care can help manage stress, prevent burnout and maintain both mental and physical health. By looking after yourself, you're better equipped to support your child effectively.

Common Feelings Amongst Parents

Many parents experience:

Guilt: Feeling guilty for taking time for oneself or believing they're not doing enough for their child.
Self-Doubt: Questioning parenting decisions or feeling responsible for their child's struggles.
Burnout: Feeling overwhelmed by the continuous demands of parenting.
Frustration: Navigating support systems can be challenging and disheartening.
Loneliness: Feeling isolated, especially when others don't understand the situation.

These emotions are valid and common. Recognising them is the first step toward addressing them.

Practical Steps for Self-Care

Establish a Routine: Set aside specific times for activities you enjoy.
Connect with Others: Join support groups or talk to friends and family.
Seek Professional Help: Don't hesitate to consult mental health professionals for guidance.
Practice Mindfulness: Engage in activities that promote relaxation and presence.

Remember, taking care of yourself is not a sign of weakness but a demonstration of strength and commitment to your family's well-being.

For more detailed information and resources, visit the Young Minds Parents' Guide to Looking After Yourself.

Websites you may find useful

TELLMI - Free app for 11-17 year olds to help manage their mental wellbeing. Moderated by trained counsellors, users can anonymously post about anything that is worrying them and receive supportive replies from other people of a similar age.

Sport in Mind - Transforming the lives and mental health of children and adults through sport and physical activity

SEED Eating Disorder Support Group aims to support both sufferers and carers in the hope that they do not feel alone with their problems

Beat Eating Disorders Charity's mission is to end the pain and suffering caused by eating disorders

The Mental Health Foundation takes a public mental health approach to prevention, finding solutions for individuals, those at risk and for society, in order to improve everyone’s mental wellbeing. They also have a programme to that supports loneliness.

ARC Youth Counselling is a specific service for 16-25 year olds who need additional and specific support or advice

The Florey Clinic provides a free confidential integrated sexual health service in Reading, Wokingham and West Berkshire

Brook is a free and confidential sexual health and wellbeing service

Rehab 4 Additiction offers a wealth of resources and information about addiction and mental health, a helpline that offers immediate assistance to those struggling with addiction in Reading, and a comprehensive directory of treatment centres throughout the UK.

Here4YOUth is Wokingham's service that offers advice, support and guidance to young people on drug and alcohol use, and signposts young people to other support services they may need

Support U is your LGBT+ resource centre in the Thames Valley. The service is run by a team of volunteers who aredeliver the help and support through their website, telephone helpline and face-to-face sessions

The NHS Better Health site can help you kickstart healthy habits, whether you want to lose weight, get active, or beat addictions.

Smoke Free Life is a service to help you give up smoking

Kaleidoscopic UK supports children and adults who have been exposed to domestic abuse. You can also find support specific to Wokingham on their domestic abuse directory