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Mental Health Solicitors

UK-wide survey shows that mental health issues are affecting a third of mothers (6 December 2017)

Date: 06/12/2017
Duncan Lewis, Mental Health Solicitors, UK-wide survey shows that mental health issues are affecting a third of mothers

According to surveys carried out by YouGov and BBC Radio 5 Live, a third of mothers are suffering from a range of mental health problems.

The most common issues are anxiety, extreme stress and postnatal depression. Of those affected, more than two thirds sought help for their problems. The statistics showed that only 17% of fathers were suffering from similar issues.

Criticism from others was one of the biggest contributing factors recorded by those surveyed, with many mothers feeling pressurised by others.
Most (26%) said that their parents were the most critical, with partners/spouses coming in second place (24%). 18% said that other family members were critical towards them. Perhaps most shockingly was the stat that showed that 14% had been criticised by strangers compared to the 5% of the 800 men questioned.

Fathers seemingly suffered less in other aspects too with only 14% of men revealing that they felt discriminated against compared to the 30% of women who felt the same way – particularly at work.

For those who have sought out help and support 60% had turned to friends, 56% to their partners and 18% admitted to going online for support. However, worryingly 15% of both mothers and fathers felt they had no support whatsoever.

A lack of awareness may be one of the reasons so many are reporting that family members and strangers are so critical.

Laura Doyle, a mother of three from West Yorkshire suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder following the difficult birth of her first child. The birth was physically traumatic which meant mother and daughter had to spend time separated resulting in difficulties forming a strong bond.

Laura found that she would get angry or upset over the littlest things and began to feel intense guilt when she struggled to breastfeed. However, despite these reasonably common signs, she did not consider anything to be out of the ordinary.

"I didn't think I was unwell. I thought, 'All mums feel like that, this is just mum mode, I'm a mum now.'” She explained “I didn't know where to go to, where to turn to, to get support.”

Luckily for Laura she did have help from her partner and her in-laws and she eventually received support through the parenting support group PANDAS.

Unfortunately many mothers and fathers believe that the mental difficulties they endure are the norm and are suffering in silence. It is vital that mental health issues are not disregarded and that more information is made readily available for both those who suffer and those who don’t in order to combat the discriminations suffers are sadly facing.

Rachel Caswell, Mental Health director, comments that this is sadly, a very typical situation that new mothers often find themselves in, and that it is unfortunate that these women find themselves struggling due to a lack of support and resources.

“In the Mental Health department at Duncan Lewis, we have assisted mothers suffering from post-natal depression and in certain circumstances; patients in these situations will also find themselves subject to the provisions of the Mental Health Act. We help all those seeking assistance with Mental Health difficulties. We represent clients who wish to appeal their section, and we help to ensure that appropriate support and aftercare is in place on discharge from hospital.”

“Should you require any assistance, please call Rachel Caswell directly on 0207 275 2793.”


Duncan Lewis Mental Health Solicitors

Duncan Lewis is the UK’s largest provider of Legal Aid mental health services and can advise mental health patients on a wide range of issues – including access to NHS mental health services and detention under the Mental Health Act. Duncan Lewis mental health solicitors regularly visit NHS hospitals to advise on mental health law – and are available across England and Wales at short notice for hospital and police station appointments. In some cases, Duncan Lewis mental health solicitors may be able to advise the nearest relative or carer of a mental health patient on a range of issues, including initiating treatment reviews where appropriate.

For expert legal advice on mental health law, call the Duncan Lewis Mental Health Solicitors Helplines; for London, Rachel Caswell (Director) on 0207 275 2793 or Midlands helpline; Pardeep Biring (Supervisor); 0207 923 8496.


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