Seven Out of Ten UK Mothers Feel Overloaded: Postnatal Depression

LONDON – Seven in 10 mothers in teh United Kingdom feel overwhelmed, and nearly ⁢half experience mental health challenges like anxiety or depression, according to new research.

The survey, conducted across 12 European countries by the campaign group Make Mothers Matter, also revealed that most British mothers still shoulder the‍ majority of household chores and childcare responsibilities. ⁤The UK ⁢ranked among the worst nations for⁢ the negative impact motherhood has on a woman’s career.

The findings prompted‍ calls for doctors⁢ and National Health Service maternity services to routinely⁢ assess mothers’ mental ‍wellbeing and increase support for those in need.

Make Mothers Matter surveyed 800 mothers in each ⁢of the 12 countries about ‍the ‍psychological effects of childbirth and the pressures of ‍raising children. Key findings include:

• 71% of UK⁢ mothers ⁣report feeling ⁣overloaded,exceeding the 67% European average.
• 47% of UK mothers struggle with mental health issues, including burnout, compared to 50% across‍ Europe.
• 31% of UK mothers believe motherhood negatively impacted ⁢their ‍careers, higher than the 27%⁢ average; Ireland reported⁢ the highest rate ⁤at 36%.

the study also ⁣showed some areas where ⁣UK mothers fare better. Only 11% reported their partners didn’t take paternity leave, significantly lower than the 25% average. Additionally,32% of British mothers feel society doesn’t recognize their contributions,compared to 41%⁤ across Europe.

The 12 countries⁢ surveyed were the UK, Ireland, Belgium, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Poland, the Czech republic, Portugal, Sweden, and Slovakia.

Perinatal psychiatrist Prof. Alain Gregoire, honorary president ⁢of the Maternal Mental alliance⁢ UK, stated that despite recent improvements in NHS care, too many mothers continue to suffer in silence. He emphasized that maternal mental illness often⁣ goes undetected, despite frequent ⁢contact with healthcare professionals.

“There’s a stigma associated with seeking mental health help and ⁣support, there’s ⁣not enough of that around, so women face enormous barriers to getting help,‍ and health professionals don’t get enough training in spotting ⁢maternal mental health problems,” Gregoire said.