Almost half (47.5 percent) of first-time mothers in the UK with infants aged six months or younger were diagnosed with post-natal depression during the first Covid-19 lockdown — more than double the average rate for Europe — reveals a recent study conducted by University College London (UCL). Researchers surveyed 162 new mums in London between May and June 2020 who reported feelings of isolation, exhaustion, worry, inadequacy, guilt, and increased stress. However the study found that the more contact new mums had with people, either remotely or face-to-face, the fewer depressive symptoms they reported, suggesting reduced social contact during lockdown may have increased the risk of post-natal depression.

“It really does take a village to raise a child, especially in a crisis when everyone is dealing with increased demands and stress. Our survey shows that lockdowns leave new mothers more vulnerable to post-natal depression, and that digital solutions might help but they are not the answer. Policy makers must take this into account as we continue to deal with Covid-19, for the sake of mothers, infants and families,” says Dr. Sarah Myers, senior teaching assistant at UCL.

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