By Caroline Harroe (Harmless CEO)
Being a parent is a journey filled with immense love, joy and profound responsibility. It can also be incredibly demanding and, at times, overwhelming. When the weight of those demands, coupled with personal struggles, leads to feelings of distress, despair or even thoughts of self harm, it can feel like you’re navigating a storm with no anchor.
For parents experiencing these intense emotions, there’s often an added layer of difficulty: the fear of judgement. Societal expectations can create a powerful stigma around parents admitting they’re not coping. The worry that seeking help will lead to criticism about their parenting – rather than support for their personal struggles – can be a huge barrier.
This fear is often reinforced when the focus of concern quickly shifts to the children. While the well-being of children is paramount, it’s crucial to remember that a parent’s well-being is intrinsically linked to their ability to care for their children. Most parents are already deeply concerned about the impact their distress is having on their family. They have likely spent countless hours grappling with guilt and fear long before they even consider reaching out for support.
At Harmless, we understand that you are an individual first and foremost. Experiencing distress, despair, or thoughts of self harm does not make you a bad parent. It makes you a human being facing significant challenges. We recognise the immense courage it takes to acknowledge these feelings, especially when you’re carrying the weight of parental responsibility.
Your needs matter. Your pain is real, and it deserves to be heard and addressed with compassion and without judgement. Seeking support is not a sign of failure; it’s an act of strength and a vital step towards finding your anchor in the storm.
When you reach out to services like Harmless, you will find a space where:
- You will be heard as an individual. Your experiences and feelings will be acknowledged without judgement or assumptions about your parenting.
- Your distress and despair will be taken seriously. We understand the intensity of these emotions and the urge to self harm.
- The focus will be on supporting you. We aim to provide you with tools, strategies, and a safe space to explore your feelings and develop coping mechanisms.
- We recognise the complexities of parenthood. We understand the pressures and the love you have for your children. Our goal is to support you in a way that ultimately benefits both you and your family.
If you are a parent struggling with difficult emotions or thoughts of self harm, please know that you are not alone. Reaching out is a brave step towards finding support and healing. Harmless is here to listen, to understand, and to help you find your anchor.
You are important. Your well-being matters. Please don’t hesitate to seek support.
You can make a referral to Harmless here.
