Being a parent can be rewarding but challenging. It can be easy for parents to feel overwhelmed and need help. However, many may hesitate to ask for help, whether from friends, family, or professionals.
Here are five ways to ask for help if you're a struggling parent:
1. Reach out to friends and family.
2. Join a support group.
3. Seek professional help.
4. Take a break.
5. Make a list of specific things you need help with.
While these five things may seem easy at first glance, taking the first step can be challenging. Here are some helpful tips for making each of these five things happen.
1. Reach Out to Friends and Family
One of the most common ways parents can ask for help is by reaching out to friends and family. This can be done by asking for help with specific tasks, such as picking up groceries or watching the children for a few hours.
Sometimes it’s hard to think of specific tasks that others can do to support you and your family. Read this checklist from Understood.org to help you identify things you can ask your friends and family to do.
2. Join a Support Group
Another way parents can ask for help is by joining a support group. This can be done by joining a local parenting group, an online forum, or a group specifically for parents dealing with specific issues, such as postpartum depression.
Support groups provide a safe space for parents to share their experiences and receive support from others who understand what they are going through.
Call SLVBHG today to learn more about local support groups you could join.
3. Seek Professional Help.
If parents are struggling with a specific issue, such as postpartum depression or anxiety, it may be helpful to seek professional help. This can be done by speaking with a doctor, therapist, or counselor.
According to a study published in the journal "PNAS," mothers who receive professional support have a lower risk of developing postpartum depression.
4. Take a Break.
Asking for help can also mean taking a break from being a parent for a little while. This can be done by scheduling time for yourself, whether for a few hours or days.
This article from Healthline says taking a break can help reduce stress and improve overall well-being.
5. Make a List of Specific Things You Need Help With
When asking for help, it can be helpful to list specific things you need help with. This can include tasks such as running errands, cooking meals, or helping with childcare. Having a list can make it easier for others to understand what you need and how they can help.
According to Understood, a list can also help you prioritize which tasks are most important for you to delegate.
Final Thoughts
It is important to remember that asking for help is not a sign of weakness but a sign of strength. Parents who ask for help have better mental and physical health. If you feel overwhelmed, don't hesitate to reach out for help. You are not alone.
San Luis Valley Behavioral Health Group is a Community Behavioral Health Center that supports parents, families, and everyone in our local area to access behavioral healthcare.
Sources
- Journal of Research in Childhood Education: Helping Children and Their Parents Ask Better Questions: An Intervention Study
- JSTOR: When, How, and Who Do I Ask for Help?
- PNAS: Infants Ask for Help When They Know They Don’t Know
- Healthline: 12 Ways New Parents Can (and Should Ask for Help)
- Understood: Checklist: Things you Can Ask Friends or Family for Help With
