In San Antonio, the mental well-being of parents has quickly to become a talking point as growing concerns highlight the crucial link between parental mental health and the emotional development of children. Citing the Boston Children's Hospital, FOX San Antonio reports that issues with mental health can start to impact kids as early as infancy and though the age of five.

Figures from the Mental Health Foundation are staggering, revealing that roughly 68% of women and 57% of men suffering from mental health problems are also parents. These statistics do not only underscore the prevalence of the issue, but also shine a light on the fact that to properly care for their children, parents must not forget to also take care of their own psychological health.

Chloe Galvan, a new mother, told FOX San Antonio about her personal experience with altered behavior post-childbirth. "Oh my gosh, it's, I think probably the best thing you can do not only for yourself, but for your child," she declared, emphasizing the importance of mental self-care. She admitted, "I couldn't walk to the kitchen to get something to drink because if I walk to the kitchen, and I leave him in his bassinet in the living room, well, that's too far. Even though he is completely safe."

Houston-based licensed therapist Lindsay Garrett, author of "Parent Goals: The Millennial’s Guide to New Parent Preparedness," stresses that new parents need to remember the basics. "Are we eating? Are we sleeping? Are we getting a shower? You know, are you getting time to be an actual human that does things that you would enjoy around all the 24/7 new job that you have of caring for an infant?" she poses these questions in her book. Garrett further advocates for finding support groups that can play a pivotal role in navigating the tumultuous waters of new parenthood.

Organizations like Catholic Charities in San Antonio offer an array of support services for parents, from individual counseling to group therapy sessions. Natasha Bridges of Catholic Charities explained the importance of such services, saying, "They can provide counseling services on various degrees, whether that be individual one-on-one, couples, family, children, they do a lot of different services for them, whether that be one on one or in group-based type settings."

Amid all the resources and advice, perhaps the most poignant reminder came from Galvan during her talk with FOX San Antonio. "I think in a way, it's so comforting to know, there's someone that cares about you. And I think that's the most important thing that maybe new parents need to hear is that there's someone that loves them, and cares for them the way that they're loving and caring for their child," she said.