Surgeon General Vivek Murthy Releases Advisory on Parental Mental Health

On August 28, U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy released an advisory focusing on the mental health and well-being of parents. In this advisory, he emphasized the urgent need for policy changes to better support parents in their daily lives.

Dr. Murthy, a father of two young children, expressed his understanding of both the joys and the challenges that come with parenting in today’s world. He noted the stress, loneliness, and uncertainty that many parents face, particularly in a rapidly changing environment, highlighting that these feelings are commonplace among caregivers.

In a reflective opinion piece for the New York Times, Murthy shared a personal experience involving his then-infant daughter, who underwent surgery for a deep thigh infection. He conveyed that while the joys of being a parent are plentiful, the stress often surpasses any challenges he has encountered in his professional career.

Data revealed in Murthy’s advisory provides a stark view of the parental experience: 41% of parents report being so stressed on most days that they struggle to function, while 48% describe their stress levels as overwhelmingly high. In comparison, only 20% of non-parents and 26% of non-caregivers report experiencing the same intensity of stress.

The Surgeon General argued that parents require concrete support to manage their stress effectively. “The work of parenting is essential not only for the health of children but also for the health of society,” he noted in his advisory. He pointed out that the well-being of parents and caregivers directly affects the well-being of their children. Furthermore, the stress experienced by parents can ripple out, impacting families and communities on a larger scale.

Dr. Murthy referred to parenting as “sacred work,” expressing hope that the advisory will inspire necessary changes that allow parents and caregivers to flourish amidst their challenges. The advisory serves as a public declaration on the significance of recognizing parental stress and mental health, the unique stressors associated with parenting, and the crucial connection between a parent’s mental health and the outcomes for their children.

Looking back over the past decade, the report indicates that U.S. parents have consistently reported higher levels of stress than those without children. In 2023, for instance, 33% of parents reported experiencing high stress in the preceding month, compared to just 20% of other adults.

Dr. Murthy made a compelling statement urging for change. “Something has to change,” he said in the advisory. He called for a thoughtful series of policy reforms and community programs designed to support parents. These changes could include time off for caregivers to tend to sick children, accessible affordable childcare, reliable mental health care, and the establishment of community initiatives that promote social connections.

In addition to traditional parenting challenges, Murthy highlighted new and complex stressors, such as managing social media’s influence on family life, concerns surrounding the mental health crisis among youth, and a prevailing epidemic of loneliness. He noted that these modern issues disproportionately affect both young people and parents.

Overall, the advisory sheds light on the critical need for society to address the well-being of parents. By spreading awareness and advocating for structural changes, Dr. Murthy aims to pave the way for a supportive environment where parents can thrive and, in turn, positively influence the lives of their children and communities.