KEY POINT
- A major European survey reveals that 71% of UK mothers feel overloaded by the dual pressures of household tasks and childcare.
- Nearly half of British mothers report suffering from mental health challenges, including burnout, anxiety, and depression.
- The findings indicate that the UK ranks among the worst in Europe for motherhood negatively affecting a woman’s professional career.
A sweeping study of maternal well-being has exposed a significant mental health crisis among mothers in the United Kingdom. Research conducted by the pan-European group Make Mothers Matter found that seven out of 10 UK mothers feel chronically overloaded. This figure exceeds the European average and highlights a growing lack of support for parents.
The survey examined the daily experiences of 800 mothers across 12 different European countries. In Britain, the data shows that women still perform the vast majority of domestic chores and caregiving alone. This unequal distribution of labor contributes to high levels of cognitive stress and emotional exhaustion.
Beyond the daily grind, the psychological impact on UK mothers is profound. Approximately 47% of respondents reported experiencing mental health issues such as burnout or depression. Experts note that these figures have worsened since previous studies, partly due to the lasting effects of the pandemic.
Career progression remains a significant area of concern for British mothers. The report found that 31% of UK participants believe motherhood has hindered their professional development. This is one of the highest rates in Europe, surpassed only by Ireland. Many women feel forced to choose between family responsibilities and career growth.
The report also identifies a lack of government spending on early years services as a primary factor. Compared to Northern European nations, the UK provides fewer resources for families with children under five. This systemic gap leaves many women without a reliable safety net during their most vulnerable years.
Health advocates are now calling for urgent reforms within the NHS. They suggest that GPs and maternity staff should routinely screen mothers for mental health struggles. Providing easy access to talking therapies could help reduce the stigma associated with seeking help.
Parenting charities emphasize that feeling overwhelmed should not be seen as a normal part of motherhood. They argue that underfunded and understaffed postnatal services are failing to catch women before they reach a breaking point. Without localized community support, many continue to suffer in silence.
The study concludes that increased economic insecurity and a lack of care infrastructure are driving this trend. Addressing these issues will require both cultural shifts in the home and significant policy changes. For now, the “kaleidoscope of emotions” that comes with parenting remains a heavy burden for most UK mothers.
