Parent Mental Health Day: Tips from widowed parents

January 2026

30 January marks Parent Mental Health Day. WAY Widowed and Young members offer advice on prioritising your own mental health as a bereaved parent and, most importantly, reaching out for support, if you need it…

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“It is important to look after my own mental health. I think it is really easy to put yourself last and I probably do put myself way down the list in terms of needs, but I’ve learned to push it slightly higher up to look after my own mental health in just small ways – like trying to get out for a little walk for 15 minutes when I’m working at home. Or taking the long route to school to get a bit more time outside and alone. I often laugh that my only free time in the week is the short commute to school, which is genuinely 100 metres.”

Rachel

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“Reach out when you need support. Sometimes people need to be told by you what you need. And sometimes it’s the people you least expect who will step up. Make it clear that you might need them in a month, six months, a year’s time. This isn’t a straightforward journey.”

Andrew

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“I found going out and walking helped a lot. It still does. Going to the park or anywhere. Watching people go by. The fresh air really helped.”

Charlene

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“Try not to think too far ahead as it’s too scary… just try and take it one day at a time and get through the day. Also, don’t try and do everything.. I found that setting one small goal for myself every day worked quite well, such as emptying the dishwasher, as I could then feel good once I’d done it.” 

Sarah

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“Speak to people, accept help when you want it but don't be scared to say no if you just want time for yourself. Grief tires you out so have some ME time.”

Scott

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“Cry and grieve with your children. Voice your feelings aloud, so they feel comfortable voicing their feelings, too. Talk about the one you lost often, remembering happy times together. Have the kids pick their favourite pictures of their mum/dad with them in it, and print the pictures onto a collage to keep in each of their bedrooms. Don’t be afraid to tell them ‘I’m having a hard day’ sometimes.”

Rebecca

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“Do something for yourself at least once a week. I joined a community choir and I love it and the opportunities and new friends it’s brought into my life.”

Kirsty

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“One hour or one day at a time and don’t think too far ahead…”

Bridie

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