New research shows that 7 out of 10 mothers in the UK feel overloaded, and nearly half have mental health issues like anxiety or depression. A survey by Make Mothers Matter studied 800 mothers across 12 European countries, including the UK. It found 71% of UK mothers feel overwhelmed, higher than the 67% European average. Almost 47% have mental health problems, close to the European rate of 50%. The UK also ranks poorly when it comes to motherhood affecting women's careers, with 31% saying it harmed their work life, above the 27% average. Despite these hardships, the UK had some positives, like fewer partners skipping paternity leave compared to Europe. Experts urge GPs and NHS staff to routinely ask mothers about mental health. Professor Alain Gregoire said, “Much of the suffering maternal mental ill-health causes goes undetected, despite mothers’ repeated contact with maternity staff, health visitors and GPs.” He added that better access to talking therapies could ease the suffering. Angela McConville, head of the NCT charity, stressed the need for better local mental health support and more consistent postnatal care. She said many mothers face a “fragmented postnatal care system that is dangerously underfunded and understaffed.” The survey noted that economic insecurity, poor work-life balance, and Covid-19's lasting effects add to mothers’ stress. The UK Department of Health said it is investing in mental health with an extra £688 million this year, hiring 7,000 more workers, and increasing access to talking therapies to support new and expectant mothers.