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Most mothers believe stress makes it hard for them to be a good parent, study claims

Research finds one in three mothers experience mental health issues after giving birth

Grant Bailey
Wednesday 08 May 2019 15:53 BST
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Nearly 80 per cent of respondents thought there were more pressures on mothers today than when they were children
Nearly 80 per cent of respondents thought there were more pressures on mothers today than when they were children

Two-thirds of mothers believe stress affects their ability to be a good parent, according to research, according to a new poll.

A survey of mothers aged 25-60, with children between the ages of three to 20, also found one in eight struggled with stress “every day”.

Nearly eight in 10 also believed there were more pressures today than there were on their own mothers generation.

A third said they had attempted a technique such as meditation or exercise to try and manage the stress of being a mother, one in 10 had phoned a helpline and a fifth had searched social media for tips on dealing with stress.

A further 41 per cent found comfort in food and more than half turned to exercise to try and bring their stress down.

Cheryl Lythgoe, senior matron and a mum of four, said: “The mental and physical pressures of being a parent make it undoubtedly one of the hardest jobs we will ever have. While many mums may focus on the impact of becoming a parent on their physical health, there are also lots of mental health challenges, including stress and anxiety, which need to be managed.

She added: “A strong support network of family, friends and colleagues, along with putting time aside for yourself as well as your children can help you make good strides towards staying healthy in both body and mind. Your GP can also help if you notice changes in your mental health which are causing you distress.”

The survey conducted by healthcare provider Benenden Health, also found one in three parents believed they only experienced issues with their mental health after becoming a mum.

Thirty-three per cent of respondents said their career or work life had suffered after becoming a parent and the same amount thought their romantic relationship had deteriorated.

But while 44 per cent said their partner helped them deal with their stress – another 42 per cent claimed their partner was the cause of it.

More than half reported their sleep schedule was severely disrupted and 37 per cent saw a downturn in their sex life.

Half of the mothers surveyed thought the pressure of their child’s schooling could also have an effect on their mental health.

One-third worried about their children not getting good enough grades and 55 per cent felt anxious that their child could be bullied.

Another 45 per cent worried about their children getting involved with the wrong crowd.

Ms Lythgoe added: “It is both sad and unsurprising that a third of mums feel their career has suffered after becoming a parent, while over half are struggling to maintain a good work/life balance.”

SWNS

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