Throughout this module, you have explored valuing and understanding your own parenting wellbeing. You have also had a go at implementing some actions to improve your parenting wellbeing. To do this, you have considered improving:
- access to social support
- enjoyable activities for your family to do together
- your self-care practices
- your child’s positive behaviour.
We are hopeful that you have seen some improvements in your parenting wellbeing.
But it is important to remember that parenting a child with Global Developmental Delay is a journey filled with love, uncertainty, and often a deep sense of responsibility. You may find that after completing the module, you still experience unmanageable stress or distress. If this is the case, you should reach out for help and access a therapeutic program. A therapeutic program is a structured approach designed to support people to deal with emotional or behavioural challenges. These programs can take many forms including online help or face-to-face sessions with a qualified counsellor or psychologist.
If you feel that you require additional support, here we will help you to identify where you can go for help to continue to improve your parenting wellbeing.
Many parents say they don’t seek support because:
- They feel guilty or selfish
- They think others won’t understand
- They’ve had bad experiences asking for help before
- They feel too overwhelmed to even know where to begin
If any of this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. This is why understanding your options and starting small can help.
So, what types of support are available?
There are a range of approaches to supporting parenting wellbeing. Connecting with a qualified professional is an important first step and they can guide you as to what might work best for you.
Some common approaches include Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy, and studies have demonstrated that these approaches can decrease the experience of stress and increase psychological wellbeing in parents of children with disabilities (e.g., Li et al., 2024; López-Liria et al., 2020; Yesilkaya & Magallón-Neri, 2024).
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, also known as CBT, helps people understand how their thoughts, feelings, and behaviours are interconnected. In this approach, the professional might help you to identify unhelpful thoughts, challenge or reframe your thoughts, and give you strategies to change unhelpful behaviours.
Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy blends the practical tools of CBT with the calming, present-focused awareness of mindfulness meditation.
Remember, these aren’t the only approaches, but it might be helpful to know a little about what to expect if you do connect with a qualified professional for support.
Here are some Australian services that support parents:
Carer Gateway provides free counselling to carers. There are three types of counselling options available: in-person one-on-one counselling, in-person group counselling, and phone counselling: https://www.carergateway.gov.au/help-and-support/caring-me/talk-and-connect/counselling-carers?cta=
Helpline 1800 422 737
PANDA (Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia) supports parents and families during pregnancy and throughout the first year of parenthood. Their phone and online services provide access to counselling and information to support mental health and wellbeing: https://panda.org.au
Helpline 1300 726 306
ForWhen is a national phoneline that connects Australians experiencing perinatal and infant mental health issues of risks to resources and services in their local area: https://forwhenhelpline.org.au/
Helpline 1300 242 322
Beyond Blue provides support for anxiety, depression and suicide prevention. You can talk or chat to a counsellor: https://www.beyondblue.org.au/
Helpline 1300 224 636
MindSpot provide free teletherapy or online courses: https://www.mindspot.org.au/
MensLine Australia is a free telephone and online counselling service offering support for Australian men: https://mensline.org.au
Helpline 1300 789 978
The Australian Psychological Society offers a “find a psychologist” service: https://psychology.org.au/find-a-psychologist. People with mental health disorders may be able to claim psychologist consultations through Medicare. To be eligible to receive psychological services under Medicare, you must be referred by your GP, or in some instances by a psychiatrist, paediatrician or consultant physician. You may also be able to receive psychology services via telehealth so you don’t need to travel to see a psychologist.
Disability Gateway also has a useful list of state-based supports: https://www.disabilitygateway.gov.au/health-wellbeing/mental-health
If you are distressed and need immediate support, please phone the 24-hour crisis support service Lifeline on 131 114.
Final thoughts
Parenting a child with a Global Developmental Delay is enjoyable, rewarding and a journey full of love. But it is also emotionally and physically demanding. Seeking help isn’t a sign that you have failed or that you are weak. In fact, it is an encouraging sign that you seek to stay strong and present for yourself and your child. The added bonus … you not only improve your own wellbeing and happiness, but when you are well your whole family benefits.
References
Li, S., Yong, Y., Li, Y., Li, J., & Xie, J. (2024). Cognitive-Based Interventions for Improving Psychological Health and Well-Being for Parents of Children with Developmental Disabilities: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 54(9), 3316–3335. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-023-06063-x
López-Liria, R., Vargas-Muñoz, E., Aguilar-Parra, J. M., Padilla-Góngora, D., Mañas-Rodriguez, M. A., & Rocamora-Pérez, P. (2020). Effectiveness of a Training Program in the Management of Stress for Parents of Disabled Children. Journal of Child and Family Studies, 29(4), 964–977. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10826-019-01665-5
Yesilkaya, M., & Magallón-Neri, E. (2024). Parental Stress Related to Caring for a Child With Autism Spectrum Disorder and the Benefit of Mindfulness-Based Interventions for Parental Stress: A Systematic Review. SAGE Open, 14(2). https://doi.org/10.1177/21582440241235033