United States Surgeon General Vivek Murthy issued a public health advisory on Wednesday, highlighting the critical importance of mental health for parents. In the advisory, Murthy emphasized the increasing stress levels reported by parents over the past decade and the profound impact this has on both children and society as a whole.
“Parents have a profound impact on the health of our children and the health of society,” Murthy stated in a message shared by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). “Yet parents and caregivers today face tremendous pressures, from familiar stressors such as worrying about their kids’ health and safety and financial concerns, to new challenges like navigating technology and social media, a youth mental health crisis, and an epidemic of loneliness that has hit young people the hardest”, told Fox News.
Murthy pointed to several significant factors contributing to these stressors, including the challenges of navigating the COVID-19 pandemic, dealing with loneliness, concerns about financial stability, and the ongoing issue of school safety.
The advisory revealed that 30% of parents reported experiencing high levels of stress within the past month, compared to 20% of older adults. Alarmingly, 41% of these parents stated that the stress has made it difficult for them to function, while 48% described their stress as “completely overwhelming.”
To address these issues, Murthy’s advisory urged governments and employers to implement programs that ensure parents have access to mental health care and paid family and medical leave. These measures, he argued, are crucial in supporting the well-being of parents, which in turn directly affects the health and stability of their children and the broader society.
The advisory serves as a stark reminder of the mounting pressures faced by parents today and underscores the need for comprehensive support systems to address these challenges.