Language
Search
View All
Jump to:
Caring for yourself as a parent
Around 6-8 months, health services like your child and family health nurse or family doctor will check on you, not just your baby. They want to know how you are managing the changes and stress of parenting.
For some parents, especially if you have experienced mental health challenges like anxiety or depression before, you may still be dealing with these concerns again. Feeling stressed about your new role, especially if you don't have enough support, can affect your confidence and mental well-being.
Remember, it's important to reach out for help and support if you need it. Your health professionals are there to support both you and your baby.
Tips for taking care of yourself as parents:
• Make time for regular exercise.
• Spend time with friends and socialise.
• Talk to your partner and discuss your needs together.
Some important topics to talk about are:
- What to do when you feel overwhelmed.
- Sharing the responsibility of caring for your baby.
- Taking breaks and having time for yourself.
- Balancing work and personal time.
- Maintaining a healthy relationship.
- Managing finances.
- Living a healthy lifestyle by addressing habits like smoking, drugs, or alcohol.
Remember, taking care of yourselves is important for your well-being as parents.
You are not alone. In fact, 1 in 5 women and 1 in 10 men experience some form of mood disorder after having a baby, within the first year of the baby’s life. If untreated it can last several years.
If you are not enjoying life with your baby, you may have feelings of sadness or hopelessness. You may even have thoughts of self-harm or harm to the baby. Please talk to your family doctor or a health professional.
More information
COPE:
Symptoms of perinatal depression - COPE
Beyond Blue – healthy families website:
https://www.beyondblue.org.au/mental-health/parenting
Raising Children Network: Grown Ups:
https://raisingchildren.net.au/grown-ups
Domestic and Family Violence
Domestic and family violence is a serious health concern for everyone involved. Domestic and family violence doesn’t have to be physical abuse. It can be emotional, psychological, financial, sexual or other types of behaviour that exert power and control over someone. Fear is a common theme of living with domestic or family violence. The National Sexual Assault, Domestic and Family Violence Counselling Service is a confidential information, counselling and support service. You can contact them on:
1800RESPECT (1800 737 732)
Anger Management and Violence Change Programs
You may recognise that you are the person struggling with managing your anger and see that you are the offender of abuse or violence. There are specialist services designed to help you achieve the desired change you and your family are wanting.
Men’s Referral Service
Call 1300 766 491 or go to https://ntv.org.au/
Men’s Behaviour Change Network NSW
