Surgeon General Issues Advisory on Parents' Mental Health

In a recent advisory, U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy warned that parenting can significantly harm mental health, with nearly half of parents reporting overwhelming stress. He highlighted the unique challenges faced by today's parents, including the impact of social media and an escalating youth mental health crisis. The advisory cited a 2023 American Psychological Association survey showing 48% of parents experience severe stress compared to 26% of non-parents. Murthy stressed the need for policy changes to support parents, such as paid leave and affordable childcare, as well as cultural shifts to normalize discussions around parenting struggles. He emphasized that the work of raising children is as valuable as paid employment, deserving societal respect and support. The advisory calls for collective action from families, communities, and employers to alleviate the burdens on parents.