Two thirds of mums think stress stops them from being a good parent

TWO THIRDS of mums believe stress affects their ability to be a good parent, it has emerged. A comprehensive study of mothers aged 25-60, with kids between the ages of three-20, also found one in eight struggle with stress ‘every day’. And nearly eight in 10 believe there are more pressures on mums today than […]

TWO THIRDS of mums believe stress affects their ability to be a good parent, it has emerged.

A comprehensive study of mothers aged 25-60, with kids between the ages of three-20, also found one in eight struggle with stress ‘every day’.

Getty - Contributor

And nearly eight in 10 believe there are more pressures on mums today than there were on their own mothers’ generation.

A third have attempted a technique such as meditation or exercise to try and manage the stress of being a mother.

Of these, one in 10 have phoned a helpline, and a fifth have 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.

And two in five modern mums feel the pressure they face comes from social media.

The research was conducted by healthcare provider Benenden Health.

Cheryl Lythgoe, senior matron and a mum of four, said: “The mental and physical pressures of being a parent make it undoubtably one of the hardest jobs we will ever have.

“Our results found this statement is well borne out by modern mums, who are often struggling to deal with everything that gets thrown at them.

“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, that need to be managed.

“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 study also found one in three parents also believe they only experienced issues with their mental health after becoming a mum.

Thirty-three per cent of mums say their career or work life has suffered after becoming a parent, and the same amount think their romantic relationship has deteriorated.

But while 44 per cent of respondents say their partner helps them deal with their stress – another 42 per cent claim their partner is the cause of it.

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

Half of mums think the pressure of their child’s schooling can also have an effect on their mental health.

A third worry about their kids not getting good enough grades, and 55 per cent feel anxious their offspring could be bullied.

Another 45 per cent worry about their kids getting involved with the wrong crowd, according to the research conducted through OnePoll.com.

Cheryl 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.

“Employer culture can be a significant factor because whilst the law gives provision for basic equalities, employees who are mums can feel let down by a simple lack of support from their employer or little accessibility to flexible working arrangements.

“Increased stress therefore becomes one of the most reported impacts, which may lead to longer term mental health issues.

“Many employers who recognise the value of mums as part of a diverse workforce are offering practical solutions, such as the provision of a mental health helpline through a healthcare provider.

“Other solutions include flexi-time arrangements, ability to work from home and childcare vouchers or financial support.

“As well as talking to your GP when your mental health is causing you distress, there are many resources available if mums are concerned about their mental health.

“In particular, if mums experience mental health problems in pregnancy or the first year after birth – commonly known as postnatal depression – information is available. Find out more about the symptoms and ways to seek help at: www.benenden.co.uk/postnatal.

“Or you can find mental health tips suitable for all mums at: www.benenden.co.uk/mentalhealthsupport”