Mental wellbeing is about thoughts, feelings and how people cope with the ups and downs of everyday life. Having positive well being means that every individual realises their own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, help engage in work productively and can contribute to their community.
HM Government
Mental health issues can cause changes/difficulties with the way people think, feel or behave. Parental/carer mental ill health can, in some circumstances, lead to an inability to look after the child’s physical and emotional well being. This is often for a short temporary period however for some individuals it can be more prolonged.
A mental illness is a clinically diagnosable disorder that interferes with an individual’s cognitive, emotional or social abilities. It is estimated that mental illness will affect 1 in 4 of us at some time in our lives.
Mental health problems are typically less severe and normally shorter in duration than a mental illness. These may include mental ill health temporarily experienced as a reaction to life stressors.
There are a number of common mental health conditions which can adversely impact on a person’s parental capacity. This include:
Depression
Anxiety
Obsessive Compulsive Disorders
Bipolar disorder
Schizophrenia
Personality Disorders
Information on specific mental health conditions
The impact of parental mental ill health can impact children and young people in different ways:
For babies up to 1 year old
Inability of the parent to respond and nurture
Lack of warmth
Negative responses
Poor attachment
Inconsistency in parenting
For young children
Behavioural problems
Anxiety and withdrawal
Conduct disorder
Aggression towards family and/or peers anxiety and withdrawal
For adolescents
Increased risk of developing a mental health problem
Behavioural problems
Conduct disorder
Depression
Difficulties at school
Difficulty with friendships
Delusional beliefs/ideas involving the child and or risk that child will be harmed as part of a suicide plan
The child is a target for parental aggression or rejection.
Co-existing domestic abuse, drug or alcohol abuse.
There is no other adult that can be depended upon to meet the needs of the child. (Children of lone parents or isolated parents are at greater risk as they are less likely to have an alternative caregiver when a parent is in crisis).
The child is the parent’s carer and this is impacting on the child’s welfare
Steps to Well-being - Steps2Wellbeing is a free, NHS Talking Therapies service for adults over 18 years old registered with a GP in Dorset (including BCP). The service is part of Dorset Health Care, an NHS Trust which specialises in providing mental health treatment and support in Dorset.
Recovery Education Centre - The Recovery Education Centre (REC) is delivered in partnership between Dorset Health Care and the Dorset Mental Health Forum, a local peer led charity. We offer a wide range of educational courses across Dorset which focus on recovery and well being.
MIND - We support minds – offering help whenever you might need it through our information, advice and local services.
Dorset MIND - We aim to create a community where living with and talking about mental health becomes acceptable for everyone.
GetSelfHelp - Really useful website for all diagnosis and providing resources to assist the person. With self-management/learning skills.
LIVE WELL DORSET - LiveWell Dorset is here to help you live a happier, healthier life with FREE advice and coaching. Do you want to more more, manage your weight, quit smoking or drink less alcohol? Talk to us.
NHS Inform:
Dorset Mental Health Forum - The Recovery Education Centre (REC) is delivered in partnership between Dorset HealthCare and the Dorset Mental Health Forum, a local peer led charity. We offer a wide range of educational courses across Dorset which focus on recovery and well being.
NHS UK Find out how to access NHS mental health services and where to get urgent help.
RETHINK - We improve the lives of people severely affected by mental illness through our network of local groups and services, expert information and successful campaigning. Our goal is to make sure everyone severely affected by mental illness has a good quality of life.
No PANIC - No Panic specialises in self-help recovery and our services include providing people with the skills they need to manage their condition and work towards recovery, enabling them to lead more fulfilled lives.
FIRST POINT DORSET - Delivers the Dorset Integrated Prevention Service (DIPS). We work alongside people aged 16+, providing help and support to reduce homelessness, poverty, poor physical or mental health, or social isolation. Through our central point of contact, you can speak with one of our friendly team about your situation.
DORSET COUNCIL WEBSITE - Gateway page for care and support for adults
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