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Washington D.C., United States of America (USA)
U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy speaks at a Senate hearing on American youth mental health crisis, Capitol Hill, Washington, June 8, 2023. (Reuters/File Photo)
US Surgeon General Vivek Murthy’s new advisory labels parent stress as an urgent public health issue, urging immediate action and support to address mental health challenges
US Surgeon General Vivek Murthy issued a public health advisory on Wednesday highlighting the mental health and well-being of parents, calling it an urgent public health issue.
The advisory raises awareness about the stressors US parents face and the need for immediate support. “Parents have a profound impact on the health of our children and the health of society,” Murthy said in a release from the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
He noted that parents today are grappling with various pressures, including concerns about their children’s health and safety, financial stability, and the challenges posed by technology and social media. Murthy, who is a father of two, acknowledged that he personally feels these pressures.
NEW: As a father of two young children, I know the joys of parenting—but I also know the stress, loneliness, & uncertainty of parenting in a rapidly changing world. Today, I issued a Surgeon General’s Advisory on the Mental Health and Well-Being of Parents https://t.co/Cb6SatT7bH pic.twitter.com/7724EqJb7L— Dr. Vivek Murthy, U.S. Surgeon General (@Surgeon_General) August 28, 2024
30-page advisory
The 30-page advisory reports that 30% of parents experienced high levels of stress in the past month, compared to 20% of other adults. Severe stress can have detrimental effects, with 41% of parents indicating they often feel so stressed that they cannot function, and 48% describing their stress as “completely overwhelming.”
The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated these stressors, contributing to financial instability, worries about health and safety, and a growing sense of loneliness among parents. Concerns about school safety are particularly acute, as firearm-related injuries have become the leading cause of death among children and adolescents in the U.S.
Murthy’s advisory stresses that both maternal and paternal mental health significantly affects children’s well-being. He called for a “fundamental shift” in how society prioritises the mental health of parents and caregivers, proposing policies and programs to support them.
The advisory recommends that governments and employers implement measures to ensure parents have access to affordable mental health care, paid family and medical leave, and other family services. Schools and communities are also encouraged to provide support services to help parents manage stress.
A survey conducted by What to Expect found that 68% of US mothers experience anxiety, with 79% of Gen Z moms reporting similar feelings. Hilmantel noted that many parents feel isolated, with 76% of moms stating they lack sufficient support.
The survey also highlighted a culture of comparison, with 83% of Gen Z moms feeling pressure to be perfect parents. Key stressors for parents include concerns about safety, lack of personal time, financial pressures, and their children’s development.
Hilmantel advised parents to remember they are not alone in their struggles. She encouraged them to cultivate a supportive network of friends and family and to participate in both in-person meetups and online communities where they can share their experiences.
