UK Mothers Report High Levels of Overload and Mental Health Struggles in European Survey
A recent study has uncovered a concerning picture of maternal wellbeing in the United Kingdom, with findings indicating that a significant majority of mothers are grappling with overwhelming pressures and psychological distress. The research, conducted by the pan-European campaign group Make Mothers Matter, surveyed 800 mothers in each of 12 European countries, including the UK, Ireland, and several other nations across the continent.
Key Findings on Maternal Overload and Mental Health
The survey revealed that seven out of 10 mothers in the UK feel overloaded, a figure that is 4% higher than the European average of 67%. Additionally, almost half of UK mothers, specifically 47%, suffer from mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, or burnout. This compares to a 50% average across Europe, suggesting that while the UK is slightly below the overall rate, the prevalence remains alarmingly high.
Furthermore, the study highlighted that the UK ranks among the worst countries surveyed for motherhood negatively impacting a woman's career. In the UK, 31% of respondents felt that motherhood had a detrimental effect on their professional lives, which is above the 27% European average. Ireland reported the highest rate at 36%, underscoring a broader regional trend of career disadvantages for mothers.
Persistent Caregiving Burdens and Societal Recognition
Most mothers in Britain continue to shoulder the majority of household tasks and caregiving responsibilities alone, according to the research. This imbalance contributes to the sense of overload and stress reported by many. However, the survey also identified some areas where UK mothers fare better than their European counterparts. For instance, only 11% of UK mothers said their partner did not take paternity leave, significantly lower than the 25% average across the 12 countries. Additionally, 32% in Britain felt their role as a mother is not recognised by society, compared to a higher 41% average in Europe.
Calls for Improved Support and Healthcare Interventions
The grim findings have prompted urgent calls for enhanced support systems within the UK's healthcare framework. Experts, including Professor Alain Gregoire, a perinatal psychiatrist and honorary president of the Maternal Mental Alliance UK, argue that too many mothers are suffering in silence due to stigma and inadequate resources. He emphasised that maternal mental health issues often go undetected despite frequent contact with healthcare professionals such as maternity staff, health visitors, and GPs.
Professor Gregoire pointed to the UK's relative lack of investment in services for young families and children aged zero to five, particularly compared to northern European nations, as a key factor behind the poor maternal wellbeing scores. He advocated for easier access to talking therapies to provide psychological help in a less stigmatised manner.
Fragmented Postnatal Care and the Need for Localised Support
Angela McConville, chief executive of the NCT parenting charity, echoed these concerns, stating that women are being asked to manage the responsibilities of motherhood without sufficient support. She highlighted significant gaps in care, especially after birth, where many encounter a fragmented and underfunded postnatal system. McConville called for more localised mental health support, evidence-based information, and regular touchpoints from health visitors and postnatal GP check-ups.
She also suggested that community-based peer support groups could be beneficial for mothers dealing with low to moderate mental health issues, offering a sense of connection and understanding during a critical period.
Rising Stress Levels Across Europe and Contributing Factors
Make Mothers Matter noted that mothers across Europe are experiencing higher levels of stress, cognitive overload, and emotional exhaustion today compared to a similar survey in 2011. The group attributed this increase to factors such as economic insecurity, persistent work-life imbalance, insufficient care infrastructures, and the lasting impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic. The pandemic, in particular, intensified caregiving demands and blurred the lines between paid and unpaid work, exacerbating existing pressures.
Government Response and Current Support Measures
In response to the survey findings, the Department of Health and Social Care did not address the specific results directly. A spokesperson stated that the government is committed to supporting mothers' mental health, highlighting available NHS services including specialist perinatal care, talking therapies, and health visitor assistance. They also mentioned investments in mental health services, with an extra £688 million this year and the hiring of 7,000 additional mental health workers to expand access to support.
This comprehensive survey underscores the urgent need for systemic changes to better support mothers in the UK and across Europe, ensuring they receive the care and recognition necessary for their wellbeing.
