When to Seek Additional Support
Recognising when to seek additional support is essential for maintaining your mental health, especially during the challenges of parenthood. It’s common to feel overwhelmed at times, and reaching out for help can make a significant difference in how you cope with stress, anxiety, or emotional difficulties.
Signs It Might Be Time to Seek Help
While feelings of stress and exhaustion are normal parts of parenthood, there are moments when it’s important to seek additional support. Here are some signs that it might be time to reach out:
- You feel persistently overwhelmed, sad, or anxious, and those feelings don’t seem to pass.
- You’re having trouble sleeping or concentrating, even when you have the chance to rest.
- You’re withdrawing from your partner, friends, or family, or feel disconnected from your baby.
- You’re struggling to cope with everyday tasks or feel hopeless about the future.
Seeking help early can prevent these feelings from escalating and help you regain a sense of control and well-being.
Where to Find Support
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Samaritans: If you’re experiencing feelings of distress, despair, or overwhelming emotions, the Samaritans provide confidential emotional support 24/7. They are available via phone, email, or face-to-face conversations, offering a safe space to talk through your feelings. You can call them at 116 123 or visit the Samaritans website to find out more.
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Mind’s Helplines: Mind offers various helplines for mental health support, providing advice, guidance, and someone to talk to when you’re feeling low. They can help you understand your feelings and find the best course of action for your mental health. Visit Mind Helplines for more information on their services.
Why Reaching Out is Important
Reaching out for support isn’t a sign of weakness—it’s a proactive step toward taking care of yourself and your family. Parenthood can be a time of intense emotional highs and lows, and there’s no shame in seeking help when it all feels too much. By prioritising your mental health, you’ll be better equipped to manage the challenges of parenthood and foster a healthy, supportive environment for your child and partner.
Help is always available, and taking that first step towards support can make a big difference.