In honor of World Mental Health Day (October 10), Action for Mothers and Children (AMC) and Unicef joins the global call to recognize mental health as a universal human right and to highlight the emotional well-being of new parents.
Becoming a new parent can be stressful. Hormonal changes, sleep deprivation, worrying about the baby and so many other factors can increase anxiety during this major life transition.
After the rush of congratulations fades, parents may find themselves struggling in silence. Many mothers suffer from baby blues or postpartum depression. Fathers may also experience anxiety and depression.
But parents do not have to navigate these changes alone. The Home Visiting Programme and Group Care for Parenting can help ease the stress by providing education, guidance and support.
These programs are led by the Ministry of Health and implemented by primary healthcare professionals, with support from Action for Mothers and Children (AMC) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), and funded by the Government of Luxembourg. To learn more about these programs, please contact your local Main Family Medicine Center.
Children grow best in homes filled with love, care and stability. Supporting parents’ mental well-being is therefore essential for children’s healthy growth.
References:
- World Health Organization (2024). World Mental Health Day
- UNICEF (2023). Parenting Hub: Mental Health and Parenting
- UNICEF Europe and Central Asia (2023). Why Home Visiting Helps Mental Health
- World Health Organization (2023). Improving the Mental and Brain Health of Children and Adolescents