The researchers revealed that those who interact with expectant mothers, such as in prenatal classes or counseling, should be aware of the importance of loneliness and the need for new mothers to promote the building and maintenance of healthy social relationships. .
According to research, more family and medical support can be beneficial in reducing the negative effects of loneliness on mental health. Women, from 27 research papers on four continents.
Lead author Dr Catherine Adlington (UCL Psychiatry and East London NHS Foundation Trust) said: “We found that loneliness was central to the experiences of pregnant and new mothers with depression. We know that depression and loneliness are often linked. – each causing the other – and this may be especially true for perinatal depression.
“The birth of a child is a period of huge change and upheaval, which can include losing contact with people and existing networks such as work colleagues. This research suggests that loneliness may be associated with mental health problems during pregnancy and for new mothers. There is a huge risk for
“Depression is common during the perinatal period, affecting one in six pregnant women and one in five women during the first three months after birth, and can significantly affect the quality of life of new parents.” and can have adverse long-term effects on their child’s cognitive and emotional development.
For this review of the evidence, the authors found that little research has been done specifically examining loneliness in perinatal depression, with loneliness coming up prominently in studies as a major contributing factor. Some causes of loneliness include stigma, self-isolation, emotional disconnection and not getting enough support.
Many women reported fear of being judged as a ‘bad mother’, and both perceived and experienced mental health stigma, which contributed to them hiding symptoms of mental illness and often leading to self-isolation and withdrawal. Caused. Many women reported a sudden feeling of emotional disconnection from their past lives, from other mothers, and from the child after birth, before becoming pregnant. Others also reported a more widespread mismatch between expected and actual support provided by their partner, their family, and their community.
The researchers also identified the double burden faced by mothers from disadvantaged communities, due to increased stigma and decreased social support, highlighting the need for more targeted support that is culturally appropriate and without language barriers. The review also highlights possible solutions.
Many women reported that recognition and understanding from health professionals was helpful and could reduce their loneliness, suggesting that clinical staff may have a greater impact on reducing loneliness than expected.
Peer support from other moms experiencing perinatal depression was also helpful — but only if those moms had similar stories to share, as talking to moms who were doing really well actually made loneliness worse. Can make Senior author Professor Sonia Johnson (UCL Psychiatry) and Camden and Islington NHS Foundation Trust, who co-leads the Loneliness and Social Isolation in Mental Health Network at UCL, said: “It is important for women to understand early in pregnancy that Helping to understand how common loneliness is, and how it can lead to mental health problems, and that it is okay to feel such feelings, can be an important way of reducing the effects of perinatal mental ill-health.
“We found that health professionals also have an important role to play in helping women feel heard and validate their experiences of loneliness, so we would suggest that asking pregnant and new mothers about possible feelings of loneliness could be extremely beneficial.” Also signposting them for peer support.
“Peer, social and family support are likely to be important in reducing prenatal depression; this study helps to understand the importance of social connection at this time, but much remains to be done to understand why loneliness in the perinatal period is so important.” Why is it important, and to develop effective ways to prevent or reduce it.”