**
A recent comprehensive study has spotlighted the troubling mental health landscape for new mothers across Europe, revealing that an alarming 42% have experienced mental health issues in the past year. The research, conducted by Make Mothers Matter, surveyed nearly 9,600 mothers from 12 different countries, exposing the immense pressures they face in balancing motherhood with work and societal expectations.
Mental Health Crisis Among New Mothers
The findings, published in January 2026, indicate that maternal mental health is significantly compromised in the UK and beyond. According to the World Health Organization, approximately 10% of pregnant women and around 13% of new mothers globally suffer from mental health conditions, predominantly depression. The Make Mothers Matter study found that over two-thirds of respondents felt mentally overwhelmed, with a third reporting anxiety, 20% experiencing depression, and 18% suffering from burnout.
Particularly concerning were the statistics from specific countries: one-third of mothers in Sweden and a quarter of mothers in Germany and the UK reported depressive symptoms, while an astonishing 42% of Spanish mothers indicated they had experienced anxiety in the previous year. Dr Natasha Azzopardi-Muscat, Director of Health Systems at WHO/Europe, emphasised that this mental health strain has become the norm rather than an exception, particularly for those in challenging circumstances such as single-parent households or those with lower incomes.
The Impact of Overwhelming Pressures
The pressures faced by mothers today are not merely personal; they reflect systemic failures in support and policy. Ann-Katrin Orr, a policy officer at Mental Health Europe, articulated the dire situation: “Mothers’ mental health is deteriorating because they face huge challenges, too often without support. You can’t pile work pressure, care responsibilities, and rigid gender norms on to women while reducing social supports and then be surprised when anxiety and depression rise.”
A study from Switzerland in 2024 further corroborated these findings, noting a 50% increase in the use of antidepressants among women after their first child was born, with this figure rising to 75% by the time the child reached six years of age. This suggests that the mental health ramifications of motherhood are not only severe but also escalating over time, particularly for working women.
Career Penalties and Discrimination
The Make Mothers Matter study also revealed distressing trends regarding career impacts for mothers. Over a quarter of respondents reported that having a baby negatively affected their professional lives. This figure was even higher in Ireland, the UK, and Germany, where around one-third of mothers indicated a detrimental effect on their careers. Alarmingly, 6% of mothers across the surveyed countries reported being dismissed or pressured to leave their jobs due to pregnancy or motherhood. The situation was particularly dire in Portugal and the Czech Republic, where 9% of mothers reported job losses connected to their new roles.
Many mothers also described feeling discriminated against during job applications, with 16% stating they faced bias, and 30% noted restrictions on their career advancement opportunities. The financial implications are stark, with one in five mothers saying they were excluded from potential pay rises, and over a third reported a loss of income.
Support Systems: A Necessity, Not a Luxury
The research indicates that a mere one-third of mothers had a phased return to work after childbirth, and fewer than half adjusted their working hours to accommodate their new responsibilities. The need for change is urgent. Orr argues that policies should include flexible working hours, comprehensive parental leave, and accessible mental health services. “These are not extras; they are essential to adequately address gender inequalities,” she insists.
Dr Alain Gregoire, the honorary president of the Maternal Mental Alliance UK, reinforces this perspective, asserting that mental health support should be an integral part of antenatal and postnatal care. “We need to ensure supportive, flexible social and employment environments for all mothers,” he added.
Dr Azzopardi-Muscat concluded that supporting mothers through social connections, flexible work arrangements, and accessible mental healthcare is crucial—not only for the well-being of parents but also for the healthy development of children and the resilience of society as a whole.
Why it Matters
These findings serve as a wake-up call, underscoring the urgent need for comprehensive reforms in support for new mothers. As mental health issues continue to rise, it is clear that society must prioritise the well-being of parents, ensuring that they have the resources and support necessary to thrive. The implications of neglecting maternal mental health extend beyond individual families; they impact entire communities and future generations. In a world that demands so much from parents, it is imperative that we create an environment that nurtures their health and well-being, fostering a more resilient society for all.
