When Do Parents Need to Seek Psychological Support? A guide for parents in Singapore

Between work, school runs, family responsibilities and everything in between, parenting in Singapore can feel like a full-time job on top of a full-time job. Sometimes, it can be difficult to know when you are simply having a challenging period, or when it may be helpful to speak with a psychologist. You do not need to wait until things become overwhelming.

It may be worth seeking support if you:

• It may be worth seeking support if you:

• Feel constantly stressed, overwhelmed or emotionally drained

• Find yourself becoming more irritable or impatient than usual

• Struggle to switch off from work or family responsibilities

• Feel guilty about not being a "good enough" parent

• Are finding it difficult to balance work, parenting and relationships

• Keep worrying about your child's behaviour or development

• Feel that arguments with your partner or family are becoming more frequent

• Have lost confidence in yourself or your ability to cope

• Are going through a major life change, such as returning to work, having another child, relocation or relationship difficulties

• Simply feel that something doesn't feel right, even if you cannot explain exactly what it is. You don't have to have a serious problem.

Speaking with a psychologist isn't only for when things are at crisis point. Sometimes, a confidential conversation can give you the opportunity to pause, make sense of what you're experiencing and look at a situation from a different perspective.

For busy parents, telehealth can make getting support much easier. There is no need to travel to a clinic or arrange additional childcare. You can speak with a psychologist from the privacy and comfort of your own space.

Taking care of yourself isn't taking time away from your family. It is also part of taking care of your family.

If you're unsure whether psychological support would be useful, a short 15 minutes introductory conversation can be a simple first step.