Being a parent with a mental health problem |
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Thursday, 07 April 2011 |
A new discussion paper developed by Outside the Box aims to raise awareness of the little discussed issue of being a parent while experiencing mental health problems.
 The paper was developed out of work with Stepping Stones, a member-led voluntary organisation that delivers services to people with mental health problems, many of whom are parents or provide a parenting role.
The discussion paper has suggested ways that different services - mental health, community, childrens' and families', local authority and NHS - could improve in supporting parents with mental health problems.
It's main findings include:
- Over one third of people with mental health problems in the UK are parents, but generally mental health services do not take account of their role as parents.
- Most parents and their children cope well, but would benefit from some extra support and information. Generally, support for parents with mental health problems has not been seen as a priority by local authorities, the NHS or national policies.
- In many areas mental health services and services that support families do not effectively link up.
- The budget arrangements can prevent services giving parents effective support.
- Poverty and social isolation are the main issues facing parents who have mental health problems and their children.
- A small proportion of parents who have serious mental health problems need extra support, including keeping in touch with their children during hospital admission.
- Most children in families where a parent has mental health problems thrive, however they face more difficulties than other children, including being bullied and having fewer friends and opportunities.
- Parents often get good support from family and friends as well as from services.
- It helps when there is good information about mental health problems that everyone, including children, can understand.
- There are many practical things that services can do to improve the support that parents with mental health problems and their children get.
- The way policies and services in an area are planned and commissioned can also make a difference.
The paper encourages us all to look at the implications of parenting for people with lived experience. As one Mum quoted notes: "We know what can help us and our children. Why does no-one ask us?"
Download the discussion paper here.
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