Xavier Becerra United States Secretary of Health and Human Services | Official Website
Washington, D.C. – On August 28, 2024, United States Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy released a Surgeon General’s Advisory on the Mental Health and Well-Being of Parents. The advisory underscores the urgent need to better support parents, caregivers, and families for community well-being.
In the past decade, parents have reported higher levels of stress compared to other adults. According to recent data, 33% of parents reported high stress levels in the past month versus 20% of other adults. Severe or prolonged stress can adversely affect the mental health of parents and caregivers, subsequently impacting their children's well-being. Children with parents who have mental health conditions may face increased risks for depression and anxiety symptoms and experience earlier onset and recurrence of these conditions.
“Parents have a profound impact on the health of our children and the health of society," stated U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy. "Yet parents and caregivers today face tremendous pressures... As a father of two kids, I feel these pressures too.” He emphasized the need for a fundamental shift in how society values and prioritizes parental mental health.
Approximately 63 million parents live with children under 18 in the United States, along with millions more caregivers responsible for child care. This demographic faces unique stressors such as financial strain, time demands, concerns about children’s safety, isolation, technology management challenges, and cultural pressures. Some groups are disproportionately affected by additional factors like violence, poverty, racism, and discrimination.
Supporting parents is essential not only for children's health but also for societal well-being. Effective support will require policy changes and expanded community programs to ensure access to paid time off for sick children care affordable childcare reliable mental healthcare social connection initiatives
The advisory calls for cultural shifts policies programs that help all parents thrive It urges Americans foster culture supports empowers addresses stressors affecting parental mental health The advisory builds Biden-Harris Administration's steps supporting families advocating increased paid family leave improving early childhood education childcare historic investments mental healthcare
Recommendations are provided several stakeholders reduce parental stress improve well-being These include national territorial state local tribal governments employers communities organizations schools healthcare systems professionals researchers family friends
Surgeon General’s Advisories public statements highlight critical public health issues reserved significant challenges needing immediate attention As Nation’s Doctor Dr Murthy has issued advisories Firearm Violence Loneliness Isolation Social Media Youth Mental Health Health Worker Well-Being Framework Workplace Well-Being
The full Advisory is available online For more information visit www.surgeongeneral.gov/priorities
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