A new study reveals that group singing sessions can effectively reduce symptoms of postnatal depression in mothers, with benefits persisting for months after the intervention. The research, conducted in the UK, suggests that such arts-based therapies could offer a cost-effective alternative or complement to traditional mental health treatments.
The study, published this week in the British Journal of Psychiatry, involved nearly 200 mothers with postnatal depression who were randomly assigned to either participate in specially designed singing classes or engage in standard community activities. Over a 10-week period, both groups showed improvement, but only the singing group maintained reduced depression symptoms at follow-up assessments 20 and 36 weeks later. This indicates a sustained therapeutic effect unique to the musical intervention, highlighting its potential for long-term mental health support.
The singing program, known as Melodies for Mums, was developed by Breathe Arts Health Research and has been running in south London since 2017. Sessions involve mothers and their babies sitting in a circle, singing a variety of songs from different cultures in multiple harmonies, accompanied by simple instruments like maracas and drums. The environment is carefully crafted to foster social connections and reduce anxiety, with no pressure to discuss personal issues, making it accessible and engaging for participants.
Participants reported significant emotional benefits, with many describing the classes as a “safe place” where they felt understood and supported. One mother, Holly, shared that the experience “gave me my voice back,” helping her cope with feelings of isolation and anxiety. Preliminary biological data from saliva swabs showed a decline in stress hormone cortisol levels among singing group members, suggesting physiological benefits alongside psychological relief.
From a healthcare perspective, the intervention is notably cost-effective, costing between £126 and £539 per mother-baby pair, which is comparable to educational programs and cheaper than group therapy or home visits. With NHS mental health services often facing long waiting lists—up to a year for some treatments—this approach offers a timely and accessible option for new mothers in need, as emphasized by researchers from King’s College London.
The success of Melodies for Mums has led to its expansion across the UK and international interest, with the World Health Organization commissioning training for teams in countries like Denmark, Italy, and Romania. Researchers stress that while singing doesn’t replace conventional therapies such as psychotherapy or medication, it provides a valuable additional tool that is stigma-free and beneficial for both mothers and their babies, strengthening parent-child bonds through shared musical experiences.
Looking ahead, the findings underscore the potential of integrating arts into public health strategies to address mental health challenges. As postnatal depression affects over one in ten women in the UK, scalable and effective interventions like this could play a crucial role in improving maternal well-being and family outcomes globally, paving the way for broader adoption of creative therapies in healthcare systems.