When your child has a life-limiting or life-threatening condition, there is so much to carry.

You may have found yourself on an emotional roller coaster over the past year or two, juggling hospital appointments, treatments, work, finances, family life and the day-to-day practicalities of caring for your child — all while trying to process your own emotions.

With so much going on, it’s completely understandable that your mental health may be affected. The strain and uncertainty that can come with having a child who is seriously ill or disabled can contribute to stress, anxiety, trauma and other mental health difficulties.

Often, as a parent, your instinct is to put your child and everyone else in the family first. Your own needs can quickly find their way to the bottom of the list. But you matter too.

Caring for a child with a serious or complex health condition can be a marathon, not a sprint. To keep going, you need to look after yourself too. You cannot continually pour from an empty cup, and getting support for your own mental health isn’t selfish. It can help you find ways to cope with what you’re experiencing and give you tools and coping mechanisms for the road ahead.

And that support isn’t only important for you. Looking after your own wellbeing can have a positive impact on your partner, your children and your family as a whole.

At Harry’s Pals, we feel passionately that having the opportunity to talk to someone who understands and will listen without judgement can make a real difference.

The counsellors and therapists we carefully select to work with families are fully trained and qualified. They are there to give you a safe space to talk openly about how you’re feeling, process what you have been through and develop coping mechanisms to support you in the months and years ahead.

You don’t have to carry everything on your own. We’re here to help you fill your cup too.

To apply for this support, please visit our Get in touch page.

                                  We will be with you every step of the way and are always on hand to answer any questions you may have.