My partner is worried about finances

While your baby is on a neonatal unit, it can have a sudden impact on your finances for your family. You may be worrying about your partner if they are feeling overwhelmed by this.

It might be that you are not seeing as much of each other as usual, as one of you is on the unit and the other is looking after other children, or at work. If you're concerned about their financial worries you might want to suggest emotional or practical support, or both. Find out more below.

Or take a step back to I need help with feeling worried about my finances

Getting them to talk to someone about it

Everyone deals with stress in different ways but it's really important to acknowledge and address financial worries.

You might have noticed your partner leaving financial bills unopened, or perhaps they are telling you how worried they are.

There is lots of support available, including from charities and organisations. It's a very personal choice, so they might want to talk to a trusted friend, family member or someone in your local community.

If you think it's having a serious affect on their mental health, you could encourage them to speak to a healthcare professional on the unit, or their GP. Many parents struggle with their mental health during or after having a baby who spends time in a neonatal unit. You can also get more advice about this on the Bliss website mental health webpages.

Finding practical advice for financial worries

If your partner needs some practical support and advice on financial worries there are organisations who can help.

You might want to suggest they try contacting one of the organisations below who offer free and confidential advice.

We understand that for some people it doesn't feel right to speak to someone they don't know about their finances. You might want to encourage them to speak to someone else they trust such as a good friend, colleague or someone in your community.

Getting urgent help with mental health

If you think your partner needs urgent support with their mental health, including if they have had thoughts of suicide or self-harm, there is help available. You can contact listening services, like the Samaritans on 116 123 or text SHOUT to 85258. If they feel that they cannot keep themselves safe or are at risk of serious harm or injury, call 999.

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