Many parents living with mental health challenges are fully capable of raising their children in a safe and nurturing environment. However, there may be times when a little extra support—from family, friends, or healthcare professionals—can make a big difference. Asking for help doesn’t make you any less of a parent; in fact, it shows strength and care for both yourself and your child.
Here’s a comprehensive guide on how a parent’s mental health can affect their child and what you can do to support both yourself and your little one.
How Mental Health Challenges Can Impact Your Parenting Style
Parenting is never without its hurdles, but managing those challenges can feel even harder when you’re also coping with a mental health condition.
Mental health issues can affect people differently. Some parents may need steady support, while others might not.
When your mental health isn’t at its best, you might find it harder to:
- Handle everyday parenting tasks, especially if you are feeling drained from depression or overwhelmed by anxiety.
- Stay emotionally steady around your children.
- Meet your child’s physical and emotional needs consistently. Set clear boundaries or respond calmly to their behaviour.
You may even find yourself relying on your children for support—whether that means asking for help with chores or helping care for younger siblings. While this can lead to guilt, it’s important to remember that asking for help doesn’t make you less of a parent.
Unfortunately, many parents also face judgement or assumptions from others due to mental health stigma. These experiences can be isolating, but you are not alone, and support is available. The government has launched KIRAN, a 24×7 toll-free mental health rehabilitation helpline, to support individuals facing mental health challenges. Initiated by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD) under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, this helpline is available in 13 languages, ensuring accessible, compassionate assistance whenever needed.
Understanding The Impact of Parental Mental Health on Children
Research shows that a parent’s mental health can have significant implications on their child’s mental health and overall development. Studies also suggest that parents with mental health issues might find it challenging to provide consistent emotional support, thereby affecting the children’s self-esteem and emotional stability.
Children with parents who suffer from mental health issues are often exposed to adverse experiences, including inconsistency in care, parental conflict, and less emotional availability. These experiences can lead to the child’s increased vulnerability to developing mental health issues themselves, signifying how parents affect children’s mental health profoundly.
For instance, a child whose parent suffers from severe depression may learn to perceive the world as a threatening and unpredictable place, resulting in increased anxiety levels and depressive symptoms in the child.
Looking After Yourself as a Parent
As a parent, reaching out for help can feel incredibly tough. You might worry about being judged or convince yourself you need to power through alone. But here’s something important to remember—you don’t have to be a “perfect” parent to be a great one. Every parent struggles at times, and needing support doesn’t make you any less loving or capable.
If you’re finding things hard, here are some gentle ways to care for yourself:
- Take Some Time Out for Your Well-Being
- Build Your Circle of Support
- Create a Steady Routine
- Consider Flexible Work Options
- Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Support
Start with small, nurturing steps. Whether it is eating balanced meals, getting a bit more sleep or going for a walk—each step counts.
Lean on those you trust—family, friends, or neighbours. Let them know when things are overwhelming and be clear about what you need, whether it’s help with school runs or just someone to talk to. You don’t have to carry everything on your own.
Simple, predictable routines—like fixed meal and bedtime schedules—can bring a sense of calm for both you and your child. Writing these routines down can also help others step in when needed, keeping things consistent and reassuring for your little one.
If balancing work and parenting is difficult, discuss flexible hours with your employer. A little adjustment can make a big difference in helping you stay present and better manage both roles.
Your local authority is there to help if your mental health is affecting your ability to care for yourself or your children. Asking for help is a powerful act of love. It shows you’re doing everything you can to support your family. Many parents have walked this path before you, and support services are there to walk beside you, not judge you.
Parenting Style And Child Mental Health
There’s a significant correlation between parenting style and child mental health. Studies have shown that different parenting styles – authoritarian, authoritative, permissive, and neglectful – can have varied effects on children’s mental health.
Authoritarian parenting, characterised by high demands and low responsiveness, often leads to children with low self-esteem and higher levels of depression. Conversely, authoritative parenting, which balances high demands with high responsiveness, tends to foster children with better mental health outcomes, displaying higher self-esteem and lower rates of mental health issues.
For instance, a child raised in an authoritative environment, where open communication and understanding are encouraged, is likely to have better coping mechanisms and resilience in face of life’s challenges.
A Deeper Look: How Parental Mental Health Disorders Impact Children
While all parents can influence their children’s mental health, those with specific mental health disorders often present unique challenges.
Parents with anxiety disorders, for example, may unknowingly pass on their fears and worries to their children, leading to an increased risk of the child developing an anxiety disorder themselves. Similarly, parents struggling with depression may find it challenging to engage emotionally with their children, resulting in potential attachment issues and difficulties in forming healthy relationships in the child’s life.
Parents dealing with substance abuse or addiction may inadvertently foster an unstable and unpredictable environment. This often contributes to heightened stress levels in children, impairing their ability to concentrate and perform well in school and increasing their susceptibility to emotional and behavioural issues.
Illustratively, a study in the Archives of General Psychiatry found that children of parents with substance use disorders were twice as likely to develop depressive disorders compared to children of parents without these disorders.
Fostering Resilience: The Role Of Schools And Communities
Schools and community organisations can play a significant role in supporting children affected by their parent’s mental health. They can provide safe spaces for children to express their feelings, offer counselling services, and promote mental health awareness and education.
For example, a school guidance counsellor can identify a child struggling with their emotional well-being and provide necessary interventions. Similarly, community-based programs can offer resources such as support groups and recreational activities that help children learn, grow, and heal in supportive environments.
Conclusion
Understanding how parents affect children’s mental health, the repercussions of parental conflict, and the influence of parenting styles on a child’s mental health is pivotal in fostering a healthy environment for a child’s growth and development. Parents must pay attention to their mental health and seek timely intervention when necessary.
By integrating the mental health advice for parents suggested above, parents can manage their mental health more effectively and reduce the potential negative impacts on their children’s mental health. Remember, every step taken towards better mental health is a step towards a healthier and happier family. You can also read books on parenting styles and how to navigate difficult situations as parents. Check out our blog, Essential Books for Moms and Dads: A Must-Read Guide for Parenting, for book suggestions. Don’t forget to check out EuroKids Blogs for more insights about your little one’s learning and development.
Similarly, at EuroKids Preschool, we believe in nurturing a healthy learning experience for the little ones, so that they grow up to be confident, happy individuals.
