THE WELLNESS WIRE
Little legs - New parents mental health
In this edition, we turn our focus to an incredibly important but often overlooked topic: the mental health challenges faced by new parents. In the UK, mental health struggles among new parents are more common than many realise. A startling statistic reveals that approximately 1 in 5 new mothers and 1 in 10 new fathers in the UK experience mental health issues during the postnatal period. This underscores the need for awareness and support in this critical phase of life.
Recognising the Signs
The journey into parenthood brings immense joy but also significant challenges. It’s common for most new parents to experience at least one of the following:
- Feelings of sadness or low mood
- Excessive worry about the baby
- Withdrawal from social interactions
- Intrusive thoughts – often around self-harm or hurting the baby
- Lack of interest in activities previously enjoyed
- Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
But if any of these become overwhelming and persistent or you don’t feel you have
any support, please don’t hesitate to ask for help.
Here’s some more unsolicited advice
Practical Tips for Mental Well-being
- Open Communication: Speak about your feelings for someone in your life. Sharing your experiences can lighten your emotional load and provide comfort.
- Seek Professional Help: If you’re struggling, don’t hesitate to reach out to a healthcare professional.
- Join Support Groups: Connecting with other new parents facing similar challenges is comforting to know you’re not alone in your experiences.
- Prioritise Self-Care: Taking time for yourself is not selfish but essential. Even short breaks, a walk in the park, or a relaxing bath can rejuvenate your mind and body.
- Stay Active: Physical activity can boost your mood and energy levels. A brisk walk with your baby in the pram or a postnatal exercise class can make a significant difference.
- Be kind to yourself: You will make mistakes., you will doubt yourself and your ability to parent, and you may miss your old life. This is all normal and healthy. It’s OK to find it hard.
SAY YES TO THE OFFERS
New parents often receive lots of offers of help from people in the early days. Don’t be ashamed to say yes to these offers or even ask for things. For example, ask for someone to cook dinner for you one night, watch the baby for a bit while you rest, or ask for a small grocery shop to save you a job. People understand and are happy to help.