Migrant mothers' experiences of perinatal mental ill health in the UK and their expectations of healthcare

Abstract

A large body of research has found that mothers from ethnic minority groups are at high risk of maternal mental health difficulties. This article presents a study of women from ethnic minority and migrant groups in the UK who experienced mental health difficulties in order to investigate obstacles they met in communicating their challenges with health professionals. Thirty qualitative, semi-structured interviews were conducted and analysed. The findings show that mental health is often a taboo in ethnic minority communities, and that a lack of stimulus and ability to communicate their struggles is one of the main drivers of mental ill-health. Support groups and social media create promising opportunities for combating the issue at hand, but social services, medication, NHS understaffing and insufficient attention paid to mothers by health professionals are the main obstacles met by participants in sourcing support. Research is concluded with recommendations regarding the findings.