On Wednesday, U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy released a public health advisory highlighting the effects of modern stresses on parents’ mental health. The advisory calls for increased support from the government, businesses, and community organizations to assist parents and caregivers.
Murthy, who has previously addressed issues such as gun violence and social media impacts on youth, detailed various stressors affecting parents. He urged for policy changes and enhanced community support for families.
Among the recommendations, Murthy advocates for expanding funding for parental support, establishing a national paid family and medical leave program, ensuring paid sick time for workers, and providing affordable mental health care options for caregivers.
In an interview with Reuters, Murthy emphasized the link between parents’ mental health and their children’s well-being. “To address the youth mental health crisis, we need to support parents who are facing significant stress and mental health challenges,” he said. “Helping parents is essential for helping kids.”
The advisory also recommends that employers implement training for managers on stress management and work-life balance. Additionally, it encourages healthcare professionals and social service organizations to screen parents for mental health conditions.
Murthy noted that there are at least 63 million parents and caregivers in the U.S., with 48% feeling completely overwhelmed. Single parents, in particular, are experiencing high levels of loneliness.
Efforts by President Joe Biden to secure paid family and medical leave were blocked by some Republicans and Democrats in Congress. Murthy, whose term is set to end in January, views this issue as a matter of national concern rather than a political one.
“We need to invest more in supporting parents and their well-being,” Murthy said. “My hope is that the well-being of parents will be seen as a non-partisan issue.”
