Belgian Mothers Face Alarming Rates of Burnout and Perinatal Depression, New EU Survey Finds
03.07.25
Belgian mothers are facing a mental health crisis. According to the State of Motherhood in Europe 2024 survey by Make Mothers Matter (MMM) and Kantar, Belgium reports the highest rates of both maternal burnout and perinatal depression among the 12 countries surveyed.
Key Figures
- 54% of mothers report mental health struggles (EU average: 50%)
- 28% experience burnout (EU average: 18%)
- 27% report perinatal depression (EU average: 17%)
- Mothers carry up to 71% of household responsibilities
- Full-time employment drops from 66% to 45% after the first child
- 12% leave paid work entirely
- 43% feel society does not recognise their role
A Silent Crisis
The numbers point to a systemic problem: unequal care responsibilities are taking a toll on mothers’ mental health, careers, and financial independence. Many are left unsupported, unrecognised, and overburdened — in silence.
Call to Action
Ahead of a presentation at the European Parliament in September, MMM is calling for:
- Investment in maternal mental health
- Shared caregiving responsibilities
- Family-friendly workplace policies
- Recognition of unpaid care in economic terms
As Belgium confronts these urgent issues, the survey is a clear wake-up call to put mothers’ well-being on the political agenda.
🔗 Download the Belgium snapshot (PDF)
🔗 State of Motherhood in Europe home page
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