Topline
The U.S. surgeon general has named increasing stress and declining mental health among parents as the latest critical public health issue facing the American public in a new advisory Wednesday, in which he calls on more support for parents and families from the government, schools, employers and community organizations.
A man and his three young children cross a road at a pedestrian crosswalk in downtown Nashville, … [+] Tennessee.
Key Facts
Surgeon General Vivek Murthy says there is an “urgent need” to better support American parents and caregivers as severe and prolonged stretches of extreme stress stand to have long-term impacts both on the mental health of parents and the children they raise.
The “tremendous pressures” on parents has “a profound impact on the health of our children and the health of society,” Murthy said in a press release, specifically pointing to stress triggered by financial strain, time demands, parental isolation and loneliness and concerns about children’s health and safety.
Murthy also warned that the children of parents who struggle with mental health are themselves more likely to develop depression and anxiety and other conditions.
In the advisory, Murthy called on the government, schools, employers, social service systems and others to better support parents through policy changes, specifically calling out access to paid family leave and childhood education and childcare.
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Crucial Quote
“I am calling for a fundamental shift in how we value and prioritize the mental health and well-being of parents,” Murthy said.
Big Number
33%. That’s how many parents report having experienced high levels of stress in the past month compared with 20% of other adults, according to the surgeon general.
Key Background
There are roughly 63 million parents living with children under the age of 18 in the United States, according to the surgeon general, with millions of additional caregivers raising children. Today’s parents worry primarily about their children struggling with mental health issues like anxiety and depression, according to a 2023 Pew Research survey, followed by concerns about bullying, abduction and kidnapping or problems with drugs and alcohol. Since 2013, parents have been consistently more likely to report high levels of stress, according to the American Psychological Association, which has also increased likelihood of parental burnout, defined as “emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and a decrease in self-fulfillment.”
Further Reading
HHS.govU.S. Surgeon General Issues Advisory on the Mental Health and Well-Being of ParentsForbesGun Violence Is A Public Health Crisis, Surgeon General Murthy Says In New AdvisoryBy Siladitya Ray
ForbesSocial Media Should Have Labels Similar To Tobacco Products, Surgeon General Says—Noting ‘Significant Harm’ For TeensBy Alison DurkeeForbesSurgeon General Demands Tobacco-Style Warnings Labels For Social MediaBy Peter Suciu