By Amber Roman
Feb 18, 2024, 10:00 AM EST
A recent study has shed light on the crucial importance of family support network, especially grandparents, on mothers’ mental health.
The research, led by Dr. Niina Metsä-Simola, professor and demographic researcher at the University of Helsinki in Finland, reveals that Mothers are less likely to resort to antidepressants when they have support from their own parents, particularly if they are under 70 years old, employed and in good health.
The study, published in the journal Population Studies, followed 488,000 mothers of young children in Finland between 2000 and 2014. The demographic data collected They included the mother’s relationship status, as well as the age, health, employment status, and proximity of both maternal and paternal grandparents.
The results showed that Access to help from grandparents was linked to lower antidepressant use, especially in mothers separated from their partners. Metsä-Simola highlighted the importance of this support, not only for the well-being of mothers, but also for that of children, as the impact of maternal depression on child outcomes is well known.
However, the study also noted that a lack of support from grandparents, whether due to distance, poor health or advanced age, could have a negative effect on mothers’ mental health. In these cases, parents may face increased stress having to care for both their children and grandparents.
Lynne McIntyre, perinatal psychotherapist and researcher at the AFIN Research Group at the Autonomous University of Barcelona in Spain, commented that although in today’s society it is less common for generations to live together, it is still essential to have strong social support for raising children. children.
Support communities for mothers
McIntyre emphasized the importance of forming communities of support, whether through extended family, neighbors or online groups. She stressed that the lack of support from grandparents does not mean that families are helpless, but rather that it is crucial to seek other sources of support.
On the other hand, Dr. Metsä-Simola stressed that the research was conducted in Finland, where there is generous access to health care and child care, which can expand the scope of family support beyond basic needs.
The study highlights the importance of family support, especially from grandparents, in the mental health of mothers. Additionally, it underscores the need to seek out and cultivate broader support networks for those families who cannot rely solely on grandparents. Ultimately, building a strong community can be critical to mothers’ emotional well-being and their children’s healthy development.
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