Mental health

Becoming and being a parent isn't always easy. Every family is different and faces its own challenges – there is no such thing as a "perfect family". However, it is especially important at this time to pay attention to your own mental well-being. Many activities promote happiness and balance.This has advantages for your own health and also benefits children. 

Below you will find tips on how you can promote your wellbeing and reduce mental stress.

Wellbeing: what is it?

Mental wellbeing is when someone...

• is satisfied with their life,
• makes sense of their life, 
• often feels positive feelings such as joy or happiness and
• rarely experiences negative feelings such as anger or fear.

Idealy, this wellbeing is maintained over the long term.

Mental stress is often unavoidable. This also applies to the period of pregnancy, with babies and with toddlers (see also: baby blues). As a parent, you are likely to have many new experiences that can be challenging. In the initial period, you could suffer from lack of sleep. However, there are strategies that can promote wellbeing and reduce stress.

How can you deal with stress and improve your wellbeing?

There is a number of tips and tricks to make sure your memories of pregnancy and early parenthood are positive. It can be little things that make everyday life easier:

• Talk about everything which is stressing you out and worrying you.
• Take time for yourself and things that make you happy. For example: reading a book, meeting friends, taking a relaxing bath or doing exercise that you enjoy.
• Think about how the baby is changing your life. Discuss the new situation with your partner or someone you trust.
• Give yourself time to get used to the new situation. Avoid taking on too much at once.
• Try to change your life as little as possible during pregnancy and shortly after giving birth. For example: changing jobs, moving house, etc.
• Trust that everything will get better over time. You first have to get used to your new role.
• Plan additional support for the period after giving birth and organise it in good time. 
• Involve your partner or other people you trust in looking after your baby. If possible, use the month of paternity leave and parental leave of both parents.
• Take breaks during the day too, for example when the baby is sleeping.
• Spend time with important people, sometimes without a baby if possible. 
• Do not stay with your baby alone. Get in touch with other mothers or fathers. Exchange experiences, for example at baby meetings.
• Sometimes a change of scenery can be helpful. For example, take your baby for a walk in nature.
• Enjoy the beautiful moments with your baby.

These points are intended to serve as a guide. You can find out for yourself what works for you personally and what strengthens you mentally! This doesn't always work. If you are under too much stress for too long, then get support. 

You can find more information under Mental Stress.  In any case, Frühe Hilfen (Early Intervention) is here to support you.