Moms in the U.S. Report a Steep Decline in Mental Health, Study Finds A new study reveals a significant deterioration in the mental well-being of mothers in the United States in recent years, highlighting a growing public health concern. The research, [insert source and details here – e.g., published in the Journal of [Journal Name] and conducted by researchers at [University/Institution]], points to a dramatic increase in symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress among mothers compared to pre-pandemic levels. The study [explain the methodology – e.g., used surveys, interviews, or analyzed existing datasets] and found that [quantify the findings – e.g., X% of mothers reported experiencing clinically significant levels of anxiety, a Y% increase compared to Z year]. The data suggests that the challenges faced by mothers have intensified, impacting their overall mental and emotional health. Several factors are likely contributing to this alarming trend. The study authors suggest [discuss potential contributing factors, such as]: The ongoing economic pressures: Inflation, rising costs of childcare, and stagnant wages are forcing many mothers to juggle multiple jobs or make difficult financial decisions that impact their well-being. The lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic: School closures, increased childcare responsibilities, and heightened health anxieties placed immense strain on families, disproportionately affecting mothers who often shoulder the primary caregiving burden. Inadequate access to affordable and quality childcare: The lack of accessible and affordable childcare options leaves many mothers feeling overwhelmed and unsupported. Societal expectations and lack of support: Mothers often face immense societal pressure to be perfect caregivers, professionals, and partners, leading to feelings of inadequacy and burnout. A lack of adequate social support networks further exacerbates these challenges. Increased screen time and social media pressures: The constant exposure to curated online content can negatively impact self-esteem and mental health, especially among mothers who may already be feeling stressed and overwhelmed. The study's findings underscore the urgent need for increased support for mothers in the U.S. [Suggest potential solutions and policy recommendations, such as]: Increased investment in affordable childcare: Expanding access to high-quality, subsidized childcare would alleviate a significant burden on many mothers. Improved access to mental healthcare: Making mental health services more affordable and accessible, including maternal mental health services, is crucial. Strengthening social support networks: Creating community-based programs and support groups for mothers could foster a sense of belonging and reduce feelings of isolation. Policy changes promoting work-life balance: Policies that support flexible work arrangements and paid parental leave can help ease the burden on working mothers. Public awareness campaigns: Raising awareness about the prevalence of maternal mental health issues and reducing stigma associated with seeking help can encourage more mothers to seek support. This study serves as a wake-up call, highlighting the critical need for a comprehensive and multifaceted approach to address the mental health crisis facing mothers in the U.S. Ignoring this issue will have long-term consequences for both mothers and their families.
Only about a fourth of moms in the United States say they have "excellent" physical and , according to a new study.
The study, published Tuesday in , looked at 198, 417 mothers with children age 17 and under, finding large declines in self-reported maternal mental health and small declines in physical health from 2016 to 2023.
The health outcomes were measured on a four-point scale, including excellent, very good, good and fair/poor.
Within the time frame studied, the prevalence of "excellent" mental health declined from 38.4% to 25.8%. "Good" mental health rose from 18.8% to 26.1%, and "fair/poor" mental health rose from 5.5% to 8.5%.
Prevalence of "excellent" physical health declined from 28.0% to 23.9%. "Good" physical health rose from 24.3% to 28.1% while "fair/poor" physical health didn't change significantly, the study found.
"Mental health declines occurred across all socioeconomic subgroups; however, mental and physical health status was significantly lower for single female parents, those with lower educational attainment, and those with publicly insured children," the authors noted.
The study also looked at changes among male parents, finding declines in both "excellent" physical and mental health within the same eight-year study period — but overall, they still had better health scores than their female counterparts.
In 2023, for example, the prevalence of "fair/poor" mental health was 4 percentage points higher among female parents compared to male parents.
This isn't the first time parental mental health has been put in the spotlight. Last year, called for changes to national attitudes toward parenting and caregiving in an advisory titled "Parents Under Pressure."
"The work of parenting is essential not only for the health of children but also for the health of society. Additionally, we know that the well-being of parents and caregivers is directly linked to the well-being of their children," Murthy wrote in , highlighting his own experience raising children.
As the study authors note, their findings are consistent with documented increases in among pregnant and reproductive-aged women, as well as the .
"Our findings are supportive of the claim made by some scholars that maternal mortality may be a canary in the coal mine for women's health more broadly," they wrote.
Though more research is needed to identify the specific causes of declining mental health, the authors said leading theories include limited access to mental health care, social isolation, rising substance use disorders as well as broader stressors, from inflation and racism to gun violence and climate change.
