Find support
You are not alone. Being a parent can be really hard, and it’s okay to need a helping hand, a listening ear, or professional guidance.
At the Lonely Parents Hub, we want to make sure you find the right support at the right time. Whether you are looking for a local group to meet other parents or you need professional mental health advice, there are many resources available to you. We have some resources available on the Lonely Parents Hub for parents who are feeling lonely. These include a booklet and a video.
Understand how you are feeling
Mothers and birthing parents
If you aren't sure whether what you are feeling is "normal" or if you might need extra help, the Maternal Mental Health Alliance provides a helpful tool for mothers and birthing parents to help identify common symptoms.
This tool is designed to help you understand your feelings and give you the vocabulary to speak to a professional.
Dads and non-birthing parents
If you aren't sure whether what you are feeling is "normal" or if you might need extra help.
- This PANDAS Foundation article gives some helpful insights for dads and non-birthing parents.
LGBTQ+ parents
LGBTQ+ parents face a higher risk of perinatal mental illness, including anxiety and depression, compared to cisgender, heterosexual peers, often exacerbated by stigma, discrimination, and lack of inclusive care.
- Visit this page for a list of organisations that can help LGBTQ+ parents
Find Support Near You
There are lots of services across the country dedicated to supporting parents’ mental health and well-being. You can ask your health visitor or midwife to help you find local support. We also highly recommend using:
- The Hearts & Minds Partnership Interactive Map of national organisations and local, community-based services in your specific area.
Not all organisations are listed on the map, and sometimes it may display out-of-date information. We suggest phoning the services to check.
Speak to a Professional
If you are struggling with your mood, feeling overwhelmed, or finding it difficult to cope, please reach out to the professionals who are already part of your journey. They are trained to listen without judgment.
- Your GP: Make an appointment to discuss how you are feeling. They can offer advice, therapy referrals, or medical support.
- Your Midwife: If you are pregnant or have a young baby, your midwife is there for your well-being as much as your baby’s. You can contact them between scheduled appointments to talk about anything that concerns you, including your mental health.
- Your Health Visitor: If you have a young child, your health visitor is there for your wellbeing as much as your baby’s. You can contact them anytime to ask for support.
Urgent Help & Crisis Support
If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, or you are worried about your safety or the safety of your children, please seek help immediately.
- In an Emergency: Call 999 or go to your nearest A&E department.
- Urgent Advice: Call 111 (NHS 111) to speak to a highly trained adviser. They can connect you to someone who can help.
- Mental Health Crisis: Local areas have 24/7 NHS mental health crisis lines. You can find your local line via the NHS website.
Remember...
Reaching out is a sign of strength, not weakness. Taking care of yourself is the best thing you can do for you and your child.