Surgeon General Vivek Murthy Releases Advisory on Parental Mental Health

On August 28th, U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy released an Advisory focused on the mental health and wellbeing of parents. In this advisory, he emphasized the urgent need for policy changes to better support parents in their crucial roles.

Dr. Murthy shared insights from his personal experience as a father of two young children, illustrating the dual nature of parenting. While he acknowledged the immense joy that comes with raising children, he also spoke candidly about the accompanying stress and loneliness, especially in a world that is continuously evolving.

In an opinion piece for The New York Times, Murthy recounted a particularly challenging time when his one-year-old daughter underwent surgery due to a serious thigh infection. He conveyed that, while parenting is filled with joyous moments, it proved to be more stressful than any job he had ever held.

The statistics included in Murthy’s advisory are alarming. Approximately 41% of parents report feeling so stressed on most days that they struggle to function, while 48% describe their stress as overwhelmingly high compared to just 20% and 26% of non-parents, respectively.

Recognizing this alarming trend, Murthy emphasized the necessity for substantial support systems for parents. He noted, “The work of parenting is essential not only for the health of children but also for the health of society.” He went on to highlight how the mental health of parents is intricately linked to that of their children, suggesting that the pressures parents face are being transmitted to their children in various ways, thereby affecting families and communities nationwide.

Murthy described the act of raising children as “sacred work,” expressing hope that this advisory would inspire meaningful changes to ensure that all parents and caregivers have the resources and support they need to thrive.

This advisory serves as a public call to action to acknowledge the importance of parental stress and mental health, as well as the unique challenges that come with parenting. Dr. Murthy’s findings indicate that, over the past decade, parents in the U.S. have reported consistently higher levels of stress than those without children.

In 2023, a significant 33% of parents indicated experiencing high stress in the past month, contrasting sharply with just 20% of other adults who reported similar feelings.

Reflecting on these statistics, Murthy asserted, “Something has to change.” He advocates that adequately supporting parents will necessitate a series of well-thought-out policy adjustments and expanded community programs. Such changes would aim to make it easier for parents to take time off for sick children, secure affordable childcare, access reliable mental health services, and foster social connections within their communities.

Moreover, he pointed out that traditional parental challenges are compounded by modern stressors. Issues such as navigating social media complexities, rising concerns regarding youth mental health, and a widespread sense of loneliness—particularly impacting young people and parents—further add to the burden.

Ultimately, Dr. Murthy’s advisory seeks to shine a spotlight on the multifaceted challenges that parents face today, emphasizing the need for systemic changes that support not just the wellbeing of parents, but also the wellbeing of children and society as a whole.