Young mothers’ use of and experiences with mental health care services in Ontario, Canada: a qualitative descriptive study

Young mothers have high rates of mental health problems, yet they often don’t access or use the mental health services they need. As the qualitative part of a larger mixed-methods study, this research interviewed young mothers in Ontario, aged 21 or under, who met criteria for at least one psychiatric disorder. It explored their experiences with mental health services during and after pregnancy and what influenced whether they engaged with them. The mothers stressed the importance of having at least one person, whether a friend, family member or professional, they could talk to about their mental health. Those considering professional help were often held back by past negative experiences and by fears of being judged, being put on medication, being left out of decisions about their care, or attracting more child protection involvement. They also pointed to specific qualities of organizations and providers that shaped whether they used services. The authors recommend trauma- and violence-informed care that puts emotional and physical safety first and treats young mothers with respect, listens to them, and involves them as genuine partners in decisions about their care.