Seven out of 10 mothers in the UK feel overloaded, and nearly half experience mental health challenges like anxiety or depression, according to new research.
A survey examining mothers’ experiences across 12 European countries reveals that most UK mothers still shoulder the majority of household tasks and childcare responsibilities alone. The UK also ranks among the countries where motherhood most negatively impacts a woman’s career.
The report,conducted by the pan-European campaign group Make mothers Matter,has prompted calls for GPs and NHS maternity and health visiting services to routinely assess mothers’ mental wellbeing and provide increased support.
Make Mothers Matter surveyed 800 mothers in each of 12 European countries to understand the psychological impact of childbirth and the pressures of motherhood. key findings include:
- 71% of UK mothers report feeling overloaded, exceeding the 67% European average by 4%.
- 47% of UK mothers struggle with mental health issues, including burnout, compared to 50% across Europe.
- 31% of UK mothers beleive motherhood negatively affects their career, higher than the 27% average; Ireland reported the highest rate at 36%.
The study also highlighted some areas where UK mothers experience greater ease in balancing work and caregiving. Only 11% reported their partner did not take paternity leave, substantially lower than the 25% average across the 12 countries. Additionally, 32% of British mothers feel their role isn’t recognized by society, compared to a European average of 41%.
The 12 countries included in the survey were the UK, Ireland, Belgium, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Poland, the Czech Republic, Portugal, Sweden, and Slovakia.
Professor Alain Gregoire, a perinatal psychiatrist and honorary president of the maternal Mental Alliance UK, stated that despite recent improvements in NHS care, too many mothers continue to “suffer in silence.”
“Much of the suffering caused by maternal mental ill-health goes undetected, despite mothers frequently interacting with maternity staff, health visitors, and GPs,” he explained. “Stigma surrounding mental health support, coupled with limited resources, creates important barriers for women seeking help.”
