Becoming a parent is often described as one of life’s most meaningful experiences – but it can also be one of the most challenging. Alongside the joy, love and milestones, parenthood can bring exhaustion, pressure, anxiety and a constant feeling of responsibility.
On Parents’ Mental Health Day, we want to take a moment to acknowledge the emotional realities of parenting, open up conversations around mental wellbeing, and highlight the importance of support, both at home and in the workplace.
The Emotional Reality of Parenthood
Parenthood doesn’t come with a handbook. Every family looks different, and every parent’s experience is shaped by their circumstances, support networks and personal wellbeing.
For many parents, mental health challenges don’t come from one single moment, but from a build-up of pressures – balancing work and family life, sleep deprivation, financial worries, changing identities, or feeling like you have to “get it right” all the time.
These challenges can affect new parents, experienced parents, single parents, working parents, and those returning to work after parental leave. And yet, many parents feel they should cope quietly.
Hearing from Parents at Jane Lewis
At Jane Lewis, we’re proud to have a supportive and open culture; so this Parents’ Mental Health Day, we’re sharing reflections from some of our own team.
Merregan shared how recently becoming a mum has affected her mental health:
“I can only really speak about the transition into parenthood and the impact it’s had on my mental health, as my little boy is just four months old. There’s a lot of important conversation around maternal mental health and postpartum depression, but I think there’s less said about the everyday anxieties that come with becoming a parent, anxieties that affect both mums and dads. For my husband and me, open conversations have been really important.
Since our son was born, the feeling we’ve both experienced most is anxiety: wondering if we’re doing enough, if we’re making the right choices, and if our son is developing as he should.
Becoming a parent can leave you feeling overwhelmed and out of your depth, and it’s easy to retreat into yourself. I’ve been really lucky to have people check in on me, and every healthcare professional we’ve seen has asked about my mental health and pointed me towards support. Accepting that support has made a huge difference, especially through our local council family hubs, which have offered free classes, baby groups, and support in a way that’s accessible and completely judgement-free.”
Dougie shared his reflections on the joys and challenges of becoming a parent:
“Becoming a parent for the first time is such a wonderful feeling, filled with happiness and joy. It’s also a time full of uncertainty – worrying about doing the right thing, not always knowing what’s going to happen, and coming to terms with just how life-changing it really is. You’re suddenly learning as you go, and it can feel overwhelming at times.
Taking advice and listening to friends, family and healthcare professionals can really help, but most importantly, don’t panic. There’s no such thing as being a perfect parent, and it’s okay not to have all the answers straight away.
Balancing work and life is a challenge, especially when everything feels new. Accept help when it’s offered, because you still need time to be you. Holding onto your sense of identity matters. Making space for the things you enjoyed before becoming a parent can help you feel more grounded, more like yourself, and better able to cope with the demands that parenthood brings.”
Natalie shared her experience of having two children and balancing this with work and hobbies:
“What a privilege it is to be a parent! But it does come with its struggles. When I became a parent the 1st time round, it was the most exciting time, yet it could also be the loneliest too. I found that engaging in groups with my daughter would help, and taking long walks to keep me active was important. Netball has been a hobby of mine for many years, so I made sure to keep making time for it.
Prioritising my mental wellbeing while adjusting to life as a new mum was really important to me. When I became a mum to my 2nd child, it was a whole different ball game! Already having one child and then adding another into the mix, meant I had to try and keep a routine for my daughter, whilst meeting the demands of my new born baby son – the sleep deprivation was real!
Now my two children are twelve and eight, and I love nothing more than making sure that I take the time to catch up with them both – whether it’s talking about their day and or mine. Unfortunately, juggling work life and being a parent can sometimes bring on ‘mum guilt’, so making sure I give up a few hours a week to do whatever it is they want, is so important for me.”
Understanding Parents’ Mental Health
Mental health challenges in parenthood can show up in many ways, including:
- Feeling overwhelmed or constantly anxious
- Low mood or emotional exhaustion
- Guilt about work or family time
- Struggling with sleep or concentration
- Feeling disconnected or isolated
These feelings don’t mean someone is a “bad parent” – they are human responses to a demanding life stage.
The Importance of Support in the Workplace
Supportive workplaces can make a meaningful difference to parents’ mental health. Feeling understood, listened to and supported can reduce stress and help parents balance their responsibilities more sustainably.
As an organisation that works closely with healthcare professionals, many of whom are parents themselves, we recognise the importance of flexibility, understanding and open communication.
How We Can Better Support Parents’ Mental Health:
Supporting parents’ mental wellbeing doesn’t require big gestures; often, it’s small, thoughtful actions that matter most. These include:
- Creating space for open conversations without judgement
- Normalising flexibility, especially during major life transitions
- Checking in, rather than waiting for someone to ask for help
- Signposting support, such as mental health first aiders or external resources
- Recognising that everyone’s experience is different
Whether you’re a colleague, manager, friend or family member, understanding and empathy can go a long way.
A Shared Responsibility
Parents’ Mental Health Day is a reminder that supporting parents isn’t just about one day, it’s about ongoing awareness, compassion and action.
At Jane Lewis, we’re committed to fostering a workplace where mental health conversations are welcomed, parents feel supported, and no one feels they have to face challenges alone.
If today’s message encourages even one parent to speak up, ask for support, or feel seen – then it’s a conversation worth having! 💙
