Explains difficulties you may face as a parent with a mental health problem, support available and suggestions on how to help yourself and your children.
View this information as a PDF (new window)
If you are parenting with a mental health problem, there may be times when you need additional support to help you cope. Different types of services are available for you and your family:
If you are finding it hard to get the help you need, an advocate might be able to support you. An advocate is an independent person whose role is to listen to your needs and support your choices.
The Mind Infoline can help you find out whether there's an advocacy service in your area. See our guide to advocacy for more details.
See our page on the Care Programme Approach for more information.
If you need extra support your local authority may be able to advise you and provide some help through social care. To access this, you need to ask for social care needs assessment.
The assessment should be carried out in such a way that ensures your involvement and that takes enough time to capture all of your needs.
For more information on assessments see our guide to health and social care rights.
Examples of the types of support that adult social care might be able to help you with are listed below.
In addition to support from adult social care services, you and your child may also be entitled to support from children's social care services.
In England, local authorities have a duty to safeguard and promote the welfare of any children 'in need' and their families under section 17 of the Children Act 1989. This automatically includes disabled children and any child whose health or development is likely to be negatively affected if the local authority doesn't provide support.
The fact that you have a mental health problem won't automatically mean that your child is in need. The local authority has to carry out an assessment of your child's needs to decide this.
In Wales, local authorities have a duty to assess children who may need care and support under section 21 of the Social Services and Wellbeing (Wales) Act 2014. They must meet the needs of children and adults who meet the statutory eligibility criteria.
Children who perform caring roles are likely to meet the criteria for being a child in need, in recognition that the role can often impact on their health and development.
Adult and children's services should work together in assessing your family's needs.
See our pages on care and support planning and direct payments for more information.
In certain areas voluntary mental health organisations and family charities may offer services that might be able to help you - these might be face to face, via email, text or via a helpline or online forum.
You can usually refer yourself by telephoning, emailing to make an appointment or attending a drop-in session.
Find out what support is available in Useful contacts, by getting in touch with the Mind Infoline or by contacting your local Mind.
Children with parents who experience mental health problems can also benefit from extra support sometimes. There are a wide range of services that offer different kinds of services for varying ages.
To find out what support is available in your area, search online or talk to a relevant professional, such as a GP.
If you are being treated through the Care Programme Approach (CPA) your role as a parent and the needs of your children should be taken into account when considering your health and social care needs.
"It's the hardest thing to do but admitting you're struggling and asking for help and support is very important."
This information was published in April 2019. We will revise it in 2022.
References are available on request. If you would like to reproduce any of this information, see our page on permissions and licensing.