Your wellbeing and mental health

It is vitally important that as parents you safeguard your own wellbeing and mental health.

You often hear the example of oxygen masks on a plane – you are always told to put your own mask on before helping to put a mask on a child.  You cannot help or support anyone else if you are suffering yourself!

Research shows that mental ill-health in parents is a risk factor for the mental wellbeing of children, so looking after yourself is not being selfish.

Keeping mentally healthy

Just with physical health, we know that there are things we can do to keep us in the best possible shape – eating well for example.  The same is true with mental health; there are things you can do to help your mental wellbeing on a regular basis.

Taking time and caring for yourself is not self-indulgent - it is self-preservation and is essential.  You may like to take part in sporting activities, get comfy on the sofa and read a book, take a walk in the countryside or relax and listen to music.  However, you like to spend your quality time – make sure you do!

Here are some ideas to aid mental wellness 

• Exercise
• Sleep
• Journaling
• Keeping up social contacts/network
• Relaxation or meditation
• Hobbies

Getting help when there is a problem

However much care we take of our physical health, there usually comes a point (or many points in our life) when we are faced with something that we need help from health professionals to overcome.  The same is true with our mental health.

Recognising when we are not OK and that we need to access some support is vital.

The first step is to seek help, and or ask for support from a family member, friend, workplace colleague, GP or other support professional. 

In Kent, you are able to self-refer for access to mental health professionals who will chat to you, assess your needs and recommend some next steps in order to support you. 

The following links will take you to resources that have a range of information on all aspects of mental health.   If you have a particular issue that you are struggling with that you cannot find information for or on our support page, The Grove Park Wellbeing team, will be happy to find some specific resources – please email on admin@groveparkacademies.org

Useful links

NHS Talking Therapies (click here)

Talking therapies, or psychological therapies, are effective and confidential treatments delivered by fully trained and accredited NHS practitioners. They can help with common mental health problems like stress, anxiety and depression.

You can access talking therapies on the NHS.

A GP can refer you, or you can refer yourself directly to an NHS psychological therapies service (IAPT) without a referral from a GP.

Every Mind Matters (click here)

Having good mental health helps us relax more, achieve more and enjoy our lives more. We have expert advice and practical tips to help you look after your mental health and wellbeing.

Mind (click here)

Local support services for adults, young people and children in Kent.

Action for happiness  (click here)

Action for happiness supports you in creating a happier, positive outlook.

Headspace (click here)

Mindfulness meditation principles to improve wellbeing.

Wellbeing podcasts (click here)

The mental health foundation has created a series of free audio podcasts to improve wellbeing, including relaxation techniques.