Being a parent or guardian can be rewarding, but it can also feel exhausting, stressful, isolating and overwhelming at times. Looking after children or young people while managing your own mental health and wellbeing can be difficult, and many parents and carers experience anxiety, low mood, stress, burnout or a loss of confidence along the way.
Here you will find factsheets, information, online learning and services in Midlothian to support both your wellbeing and the mental health of the children and young people in your care. Whether you are looking for support for yourself, advice on helping a child who is struggling, or ways to build wellbeing together as a family, these resources are here to help.
Let us know what resource works well for you. If you have any other suggestions for our self-help pages, please send them to ithrive@health-in-mind.org.uk.
Factsheets
These factsheets will help you understand what mental health and wellbeing difficulties parents and guardians might face, the causes and what support is available.
Parents and mental health factsheet from the Mental Health Foundation
Parental mental illness factsheet from the Royal College of Psychiatrists
Information for parents experiencing difficulties
A guide to parenting with a mental health problem from Mind
‘How to cope with parenting stress and anxiety’ by Vincent Iannelli from Very Well Mind
‘Parental anxiety? 5 ways to relieve the worry’ by Debbit Pincus from Empowering Parents
Mental health for new parents guide from the BBC
Parents’ guide to looking after yourself from Young Minds
Tips to support a child’s mental health
Supporting a young person from Suicide Prevention Scotland
Wellbeing for wee ones from Parent Club
Looking after a child or young person’s mental health from the NHS
NHS Lothian resources for parents and carers: Anxiety and worry
Supporting your child with fears and worries by CAMHS and NHS Lothian
Relaxation ideas for child and young people by CAMHS and NHS Lothian
Outdoor education and child development guide from Forest Holidays
ASK guide to checking in on a young person’s wellbeing from the Scottish Youth Parliament
Online learning
Togetherness emotional health online learning for parents and carers
Use access code TARTAN to register for free
NHS Lothian online learning videos for parents and carers supporting children with low mood and depression
Family Lives free online parenting courses including parenting teens, parenting neurodiverse children, and dealing with conflict
Organisations and services
Here is a list of UK wide organisations related to parents and guardians:
If you are looking for local support, please go to our service directory to find out what services and projects are available to you.