If you’re feeling overwhelmed as a parent, you’re not alone. A new advisory from the U.S. Surgeon General, released on Wednesday, reveals that parents have reported higher levels of stress over the past decade compared to those without children.
Dr. Vivek Murthy, the U.S. Surgeon General and a father of two, notes, “The work of parenting is crucial not just for children’s health but also for the wellbeing of society.” He emphasizes that the health of parents and caregivers is closely connected to their children’s wellbeing.
The advisory highlights that parents are struggling with heavy workloads and extensive hours spent on childcare. “Demands from both work and caregiving have reduced quality time with partners, sleep, and personal leisure,” the report states.
This advisory focuses on the mental health of the 63 million parents in the U.S. and its impact on their children. It explains, “Parental mental health affects the emotional environment, responsiveness, and consistency of caregiving, which are essential for a child’s development.” The report adds that children of parents with mental health issues face higher risks of depression, anxiety, and other long-term problems.
A 2023 American Psychological Association survey found that 33% of parents reported high stress levels, compared to 20% of non-parents. Nearly half of the parents surveyed said they felt overwhelmed most days, while only 26% of other adults felt the same. Research from Cigna also found that 65% of parents felt lonely, 10 percentage points higher than those without children.
Key stressors for parents include financial worries, concerns about their children’s safety, lack of personal time, and issues related to social media and technology. The report notes that almost 70% of parents believe parenting has become harder over the past 20 years, with technology and social media being major factors.
To address these issues, the report suggests several solutions, including policy changes and adjustments in personal behavior. It recommends government actions such as expanding paid family leave and improving access to mental health programs. It also suggests workplace reforms, like training managers in stress management and work-life balance, and ensuring access to affordable mental healthcare.
In addition to these recommendations, Dr. Murthy’s previous advisory in 2023 addressed loneliness and encouraged individuals to seek social connections. The current report advises parents to seek social support, openly discuss their parenting stress with friends, and recognize and address mental health challenges.
