Maternal depression in the toddler and pre-school years of parenting

There have been huge strides in the understanding of, and support for mothers during pregnancy and the first-year post-partum (perinatal mental health). However, it is increasingly clear that parents may experience depression beyond the perinatal period (Woolhouse et al.2015). Good maternal mental health is critical for a child’s development and well-being, both in the short-and long-term. Recent evidence suggests that impacts of maternal depression on child mental health may be particularly important in early childhood (Giallo et al. 2015). To date, little is known about mother’s experiences of depression and low mood during the toddler and pre-school years of parenting. My talk will present some early findings of a qualitative online survey study exploring mother’s experience of depression during this parenting period, and how their mental health difficulties affect parenting. The talk will also explore the impact of Covid-19 on maternal mental health and the pressures faced by mothers of toddlers and pre-schoolers during lockdown. A better understanding of the challenges experienced by mothers during this period will inform the development of targeted interventions and prevention efforts to promote parent’s mental health and emotionally well-being during the toddler and preschool years.