In 2020, there were 2.9 million single-parent families in the UK. This is an increase of 5.9% in the last ten years. But still, there remains a stigma unfairly attached to single parenting despite the unenviable task of being the sole carer and breadwinner for their families.
The physical and mental load of parents is enormous. There is no denying this. But when you are the one adult of the household, this weight load ultimately rests on one parent’s shoulders. Single parents face many complex issues that two parents’ families don’t and this is even if both parents play an active part in raising their children together.
It is little wonder that single parents are more at risk of struggling with mental health problems due to their lifestyle, although it is thought that 1 in 4 children have a mother seeking treatment for mental health concerns in the UK.
As a single parent, what can you do to support your mental health and make sure you are in the best possible place to support your family when they need you?
Recognise Your Feelings
Parents will generally push their own needs and feelings at the back of the pile when it comes to taking care of their families. This is only natural. Except, if you notice how you feel and how you are coping with your day to day life is changing, you need to recognise your own feelings and address them, even if it is simply writing them down or allowing yourself some time to feel how you need to feel full.
Connect with Others
There is a famous phrase that is often thrown around when it comes to raising children.
It takes a village
And indeed, it does, but not everyone is lucky enough to have a village to support them. Many single parents resources can assist you with helping your mental health, such as Gingerbread, and can point you in the right direction.
Talk to those around you who you can trust about your struggles or speak to your doctor who can work with you on getting a referral to specialist treatment options such as sunnysideclinic.com.au to help you overcome any mental health worries you are having.
Mindfulness
Often, people, and this isn’t just single parents, get too lost in everything all at once. Maybe you have a lot going on, or you are experiencing difficulties. It will feel like the weight of the world is on your shoulders.
Try to remove yourself from the situation by focusing on the here and now. It can take some practise to achieve this fully but try this at mealtimes. Clear your find and focus on the food you are eating. Then resolve to focus on the things you can do at that moment. Do you need to make a phone call right now? Then focus on this until the task is done. Then move on to the next thing. Grounding yourself at the moment can help to clear your mind and reduce feelings of overwhelm.
Fresh Air
Long, cold, dark days can help to compound mental health worries. In part, this is down to the lack of sunlight people experience due to shorter days. Vitamin D is involved in many different functions in the body, including supporting your immune system and absorbing calcium to keep strong bones. You can get vitamin D from the sun, and all you need to do is spend around 15-20 minutes per day in the sun. So get outside for short periods each day to boost vitamin D levels.
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