Parenting can be one of the most rewarding roles in life, but it can also be challenging, especially when you’re living with a mental health condition. You might have times when symptoms, side effects, or treatment make it difficult to keep up with the demands of parenting. You may find yourself more easily overwhelmed or burnt out, worry about how your mental health affects your child, or feel guilty when you can’t always be the parent you want to be.
These feelings are completely understandable, and you’re not alone in them. Managing a mental health condition while parenting isn’t easy, and you don’t have to be perfect. It’s about finding what works for you and your family, taking small steps, and recognising that looking after yourself is an important part of caring for your child.
The impact of parenting with a mental health condition
If you’re struggling with a mental health condition, you might notice that:
- it’s harder to be as present or patient with your children as you’d like to be
- day-to-day tasks like meals, school runs or bedtimes take more effort
- your child’s behaviour or emotions feel more overwhelming to respond to
- symptoms, medication, or tiredness affect your energy or mood
- work, finances or other responsibilities add extra pressure
- you feeling different from other parents/carers who seem more functional
- you feel judged as a parent/carer by people in your community who don’t understand mental health difficulties, like teachers, doctors, or other parents
It’s natural to find these moments hard. And it doesn’t mean you’re failing as a parent. Noticing when things feel difficult shows you care, you’re trying your best, and you’re making steps to being more self-reflective to how to care for yourself. This is valuable for your children to see. It’s also the first step in finding support and making small changes that can make things easier.
Ways to look after yourself
When you’re living with a mental health condition, it can be hard to balance your own needs alongside your child’s. Finding time for yourself isn’t always easy, so it’s important to be realistic about what you can manage. But even small things can help you look after your wellbeing. We spoke to parents about what they find helps – here’s what they said:
When your mental health affects how much you can do, it’s easy to feel guilty or like you’re not doing enough. Try to remind yourself that every parent struggles sometimes, and that doing your best looks different on different days. Some days will be about just getting through, and that’s okay. If you catch yourself in negative thought patterns, it could be helpful to imagine what it would be like to voice these to a child. If you think it would be cruel, why should it be any different to how you speak to yourself? Kindness is key in communication, and you deserve that to yourself as much as anyone else.
If you feel isolated, know that there’s always support out there. Having people around you who understand what you’re going through can make a big difference. Try to think of one or two people you’d feel comfortable asking for help, like a friend, family member, neighbour, or another parent. Let them know what helps when you’re struggling. This could be practical things, like childcare or cooking, or emotional support when you need someone to talk to.
It can also help to build a support network of families who you can spend time with while you’re with your children. That way you can have chunks of time when you’re not parenting alone.
There may be a local mental health support group near you. These support groups can be vital in finding people who ‘just get it’. It’s an opportunity to branch out to your community through avenues outside of your child’s school or your family, and you’ll likely meet people going through similar struggles. Mind local charities are a good place to start. Your GP may also have some resources on local mental health groups.
Asking for support can sometimes feel difficult and it’s normal to anticipate rejection or a lack of patience. You might worry about burdening friends or family, or have had experiences where people didn’t understand. It’s okay to try different people until you find a network that makes you feel heard and supported.
Self-care doesn’t have to be big or time-consuming. When you’re feeling low or exhausted, small things can make a big difference. If this feels unimaginable, start off very small and see if you can increase your self-care overtime.
You could try:
- taking five minutes for a cup of tea, some deep breathing or a short walk
- listening to an audiobook or podcast while doing chores
- journaling or another creative outlet like drawing or painting
- using any childcare time to rest or do something you enjoy, rather than catching up on more tasks
If you’re having a hard day, try focusing on each hour one at a time, instead of overwhelming yourself with the full day or week ahead. Think about what you have to do now and try to plan out what will make each section of the day easier.
Physical activity can boost your mood and reduce stress. This doesn’t have to mean formal exercise – it could be walking to the park, following a quick and easy exercise video, or stretching before bed. Small, regular movement can help both your mental and physical health. The key here is doing something achievable and realistic for you. Start off small and you can build up from there. You’re more likely to keep active if you do something that’s enjoyable and possible.
Life with children is unpredictable, and so is mental health. Some days you’ll have more energy than others. Try to plan what you can but leave room to adapt. A family calendar or shared to-do list can help you manage things when your energy or mood changes. If things go awry, then acceptance and kindness to self could be paramount to affecting your mood.
Sometimes, you might need more structured or specialist support. Talking to professionals can bring reassurance and stability, especially when things feel uncertain. This could include speaking to your GP, a therapist, a helpline, or a local mental health service. You don’t have to wait for things to reach crisis point to ask for help.
I found a weekly online meeting with others, some of whom shared the same experiences and issues. It was informal but very supportive and, at the same time as finding ways I might be able to help my son, I found that the more I talked, the more it helped me and my own mental health, too.
Talking to your child about your mental health
Many parents feel anxious about how much to share with their children about their mental health. You might want to protect them from worry, or feel unsure about what language is appropriate for their age. These feelings are completely understandable – talking about mental health can be tricky, especially when it’s your own.
But children often notice when something feels different at home. Giving them clear and honest information is important because it helps them understand what’s going on. If they don’t have this information, they will often fill in the gaps or blame themselves. Here are some tips to support you with those conversations:
Children often cope better when they know the truth. Explaining your mental health problems in a calm, clear and contained way can help them make sense of things and reduce their anxiety. It also gives them language to talk about feelings – both yours and their own.
It’s important to reflect on what will be helpful for them to know and what may be harmful or overwhelming. For example, sharing explicit details about suicidal thoughts, self-harm, or other distressing experiences may be too much for a child to hear from a parent. While honesty is important, some aspects of your experience may need to be held by you, rather than passed on to them. As the parent, it’s vital that your child is not burdened by your struggles, as this can lead to a sense of responsibility for your wellbeing.
It may be helpful to think in advance about what you want to say and be clear with yourself about what you don’t say and how you would make sure that boundary is not crossed. Perhaps write this down or practise with a friend. Having a contained structure is very reassuring for a child and show’s that you as a parent can hold your ‘own stuff’ while still keeping them in mind.
Think about your child’s age and what they can understand. For younger children, you could use simple explanations like: “Mummy’s feeling tired today, so she needs some quiet time to rest.” For older children or teenagers, you can share a bit more detail about your mental health condition and how you’re managing it.
If you’re not sure how much to share, start small and see how your child responds. You can always add more information later.
Sometimes, the way you’re feeling might mean you seem more distant, preoccupied or short-tempered than usual. This is understandable. But it’s important to give your child a clear explanation afterwards, so they don’t think it’s their fault. For example, you could say, ‘I snapped because I was feeling tired and stressed, not because of anything to do with you’.
Let your child know that your mental health difficulties aren’t their fault and that you’re taking steps to get help. Reassure them that you love them and that there are other adults who will help take care of them when you’re finding things hard.
Ask your child if there’s anything about the situation that they find particularly difficult, upsetting or scary. Think together about whether there are any changes that could be made to make things easier.
Let your child know they can come to you when they have questions or worries. Try to make time for regular chats or check-ins, even short ones, where they can share how they’re feeling.
It can really help for your child to have another trusted adult they can turn to. This could be a relative, family friend, teacher or youth worker. This gives them another space to share their feelings and ask questions safely.
Supporting your child’s wellbeing
Even when things feel difficult, there are practical ways to help your child feel safe, included, and supported. This can help them cope with the changes they notice and feel confident that they are cared for in the tougher times.
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Involve them appropriately
Children often notice when things feel different at home. Involving them in small, age-appropriate ways can help them feel more secure and connected. You could let them choose a weekend activity, help with simple tasks around the house, or give them a say in family routines. But try to make sure they’re not taking on too much responsibility for your care – it’s important they still have time to relax and be children. -
Help them find outlets
Encourage your child to do things that help them express their feelings and manage stress. This could be spending time outdoors, drawing or writing, listening to music, or being active. These outlets can help them release tension and build confidence. Depending on your mental health condition, it may be helpful for your child to join a support group. This is so they can get peer-to-peer support from other young people who have family affected by specific mental health conditions. -
Keep normal routines where possible
Familiar routines can help your child feel safe and supported, especially when things feel uncertain. This might mean keeping up with school, seeing friends, or spending time on hobbies they enjoy. It’s okay if routines slip sometimes – even small bits of structure can make a difference. -
Prepare them for what to expect
Children often cope better when they know what to expect, and it can help to reassure them that you’re getting the care you need to feel better. If you’re going into hospital or receiving treatment, try to prepare your child in advance so they understand what’s happening. Explain where you’ll be, who will look after them, and when you’ll be back home. You could also arrange regular check-ins, phone calls or messages while you’re away.
Getting professional support for your child
If your child is affected by your mental health condition, it’s important to remember that they can also get help. Getting the right help early on can make a big difference to how your child understands and copes with what’s happening.
If your child helps with things like cooking, looking after siblings or emotional support, they might be considered a young carer. There is support available for young carers, including groups where they can meet others who understand. You can find more information about this in our guide for young people.
There are also lots of organisations that provide specialist advice and support for young carers as well as local young carer’s support groups.
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Carers UK
Provides information, advice and support for carers. Find services in your local area.
It can help to let your child’s school know about your mental health difficulties, so they understand what your child might be experiencing. Schools can offer pastoral support, refer your child to a counsellor, or make small adjustments in the classroom to help your child manage stress and learning.
Schools can also refer your child to other services that offer more help, like CAMHS. Speak to any member of staff at your child's school to find out what's available.
If you’re worried about your child’s wellbeing or behaviour, your GP is a good place to start. They can listen to your concerns, offer advice, and help you explore next steps for getting support for your child. Your GP may suggest a referral to mental health services or local early help teams that support families.
Some children find it helpful to talk to a counsellor or therapist. This can give them a space to process their feelings and learn healthy ways to cope.
Therapy might take place through your child’s school, local NHS mental health services, or privately if you’re able to afford that option. If you’re unsure what’s available, your GP or your child’s school can help you find out.
Getting professional support for yourself
Parenting with a mental health condition can feel isolating at times, but you don’t have to manage it alone. There are lots of places where you can get professional advice, emotional support, or practical help.
These organisations and helplines can offer you advice on parenting and emotional support for you and your child:
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YoungMinds Parents Helpline
We support parents and carers who are concerned about their child or young person's mental health. We can provide detailed information and advice, emotional support and signposting.
You can speak to us over the phone or chat to us online. When we’re closed, you can still leave us a message and we'll get back to you in 3-5 working days.
- Opening times:
- 9.30am-4pm on Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays; 9.30am-6pm on Tuesdays and Wednesdays
These organisations and helplines can provide emotional support for you and your mental health:
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SANE
Provides care and emotional support for people aged 16 and over affected by mental illness, including families and carers.
SANEline services include a telephone helpline open every day of the year as well as a text service and email support service. You can also leave a message on 07984 967 708 and you will be called back within a few days.
- Opening times:
- 4pm -10pm, daily
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Samaritans
Whatever you're going through, you can contact the Samaritans for support. N.B. This is a listening service and does not offer advice or intervention.
- Opening times:
- 24/7
These organisations offer information and advice on lots of mental health conditions and problems:
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Rethink Mental Illness
Information and practical help on mental illness, medication, care and law. They have a helpline and webchat service.
You can also find support groups near you using their group finder.
- Opening times:
- Advice line: Monday - Friday, 1pm-4pm; Webchat: Monday-Friday, 9:30am – 4pm
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Scottish Association for Mental Health
The SAMH helpline can provide support for anyone struggling with their mental health in Scotland. They can also provide information and advice to anyone who is worried about a loved one.
They have a live chat service available during opening hours.
SAMH also run local support services across Scotland. To ask about these, call 0141 530 1000 (during office hours). To get support via the Helpline, please call the number below.
- Opening times:
- 9am - 6pm, Monday to Friday
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Bipolar UK
Provides information and a peer support service for people affected by bipolar, including friends and family. Find a local support group.
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PANDAS
Emotional support for any parent experiencing pre or post natal depression, or another mental health issue such as anxiety, during or after a pregnancy or birth.
As well as using their helpline, you may be able to find a local support group.
- Opening times:
- Every day, 11am - 10pm
Your GP can be a helpful first point of contact for talking about your mental health. They can help you understand what’s going on, explore treatment options like counselling or medication, and connect you with specialist NHS services if you need extra support.
Talking to a trained therapist can give you a safe space to be heard, and help you cope with stress, manage your mood, and navigate the challenges of parenting. You can self-refer for free therapy through the NHS. Or, if you’re working, check whether your employer offers counselling through an Employee Assistance Programme. If you’re able to afford it, private therapy is also an option – just make sure your therapist is registered with a recognised body, such as BACP.
I'm worried my child will be taken into care
It’s understandable to worry that asking for help could put your child at risk of being taken into care. But if you’re struggling with your mental health, seeking help for yourself is one of the best things you can do for your child.
Here are some things to keep in mind:
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Children are only taken into care if there is no other way to keep the child safe. This usually happens only if other forms of support haven’t worked, or if a child is at risk of significant harm.
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Being in contact with social services doesn’t automatically mean your child will be removed from your care. Social services aim to help families stay together and support you in caring for your child safely.
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If your child is taken into care, it’s often temporary. You should still be able to contact them, and the main goal is usually to reunite families when it’s safe to do so.
For advice on what might happen if your child is taken into care, visit Citizen’s Advice.
Useful websites and services
While we take care to ensure that the organisations we signpost to provide high quality information and advice, we cannot take responsibility for any specific pieces of advice they may offer. We encourage parents and carers to always explore the website of a linked service or organisation to understand who they are and what support they offer before engaging with them.
-
YoungMinds Parents Helpline
We support parents and carers who are concerned about their child or young person's mental health. We can provide detailed information and advice, emotional support and signposting.
You can speak to us over the phone or chat to us online. When we’re closed, you can still leave us a message and we'll get back to you in 3-5 working days.
- Opening times:
- 9.30am-4pm on Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays; 9.30am-6pm on Tuesdays and Wednesdays
-
Rethink Mental Illness
Information and practical help on mental illness, medication, care and law. They have a helpline and webchat service.
You can also find support groups near you using their group finder.
- Opening times:
- Advice line: Monday - Friday, 1pm-4pm; Webchat: Monday-Friday, 9:30am – 4pm
-
SANE
Provides care and emotional support for people aged 16 and over affected by mental illness, including families and carers.
SANEline services include a telephone helpline open every day of the year as well as a text service and email support service. You can also leave a message on 07984 967 708 and you will be called back within a few days.
- Opening times:
- 4pm -10pm, daily
-
Scottish Association for Mental Health
The SAMH helpline can provide support for anyone struggling with their mental health in Scotland. They can also provide information and advice to anyone who is worried about a loved one.
They have a live chat service available during opening hours.
SAMH also run local support services across Scotland. To ask about these, call 0141 530 1000 (during office hours). To get support via the Helpline, please call the number below.
- Opening times:
- 9am - 6pm, Monday to Friday
-
PANDAS
Emotional support for any parent experiencing pre or post natal depression, or another mental health issue such as anxiety, during or after a pregnancy or birth.
As well as using their helpline, you may be able to find a local support group.
- Opening times:
- Every day, 11am - 10pm
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Mind Legal Line
Provides information and advice on mental health law, including being detained, mental capacity, community care and discrimination and equality.
- Opening times:
- 9am - 6pm, Monday to Friday (except for bank holidays)
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This page was reviewed in December 2025.
It was created with parents and carers with lived experience of parenting with a mental health condition.
We will next review the page in 2028.
YoungMinds is a proud member of PIF TICK – the UK's quality mark for trusted health information.
Whether you love the page or think something is missing, we appreciate your feedback. It all helps us to support more young people with their mental health.
Please be aware that this form isn’t a mental health support service. If your child is in crisis right now and you want to talk to someone urgently, find out who to contact on our urgent help page.
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