Parental stress is so debilitating, the surgeon general has declared it a public health issue
For parents who are overwhelmed by the stress of raising children and taking care of their families, United States Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy sees you. Murthy issued an advisory on August 28 declaring the mental health of parents as an urgent public health issue. The recommendations are reserved for “major public health challenges that require immediate national awareness and action,” according to the Department of Health and Human Services.
“Being a father is the hardest and most rewarding job I’ve ever had,” Murthy wrote in the post.
In his introduction, Murthy emphasizes that parenting is important for children’s health and the health of society, but the pressures on parents are passed on to their children. And now, parents have new challenges on top of the already daunting tasks of protecting their children from harm, managing finances and dealing with the uncertainties young people face. during adolescence.
“Chasing these unrealistic expectations has left many families tired, exhausted, and forever behind,” says Murthy.
After speaking with many families, having experienced parenting issues himself, and considering the compounding factors of economic and technological uncertainty on top of the stress of parenting, Murthy writes he felt compelled to offer through these councils, which have the power to set policies and programs. in an effort to support American parents.
Parents struggle with unrealistic expectations
The advisory states that there are approximately 63 million parents living with children under the age of 18 in the US, in addition to millions of non-parental caregivers.
According to 2023 data from the Department of Health and Human Services, 33% of parents reported high levels of stress in the past month compared to 20% of other adults, while 48% of parents say most days their stress is overwhelming compared to 26% among other adults.
The department describes a number of activities that lead to the current state of parental mental health, including:
- Financial stress, economic instability and poverty
- It takes time
- Children’s health
- Child safety
- Parental isolation and loneliness
- Technology and social media
- Cultural pressures and the future of children
Murthy also wrote that as parents feel that they are not meeting the expectations – either of themselves or of society. They internalize that stress as shame, which leads to a vicious cycle in which shame and stress build on each other.
The support parents need
The General Practitioner’s advice outlines four key changes that need to take place to take action for the wellbeing of parents and carers.
Realizing that parenting it’s a job
Many parents and carers feel undervalued for the work they do in raising children, especially if they choose parenting over full-time work, according to advice that.
The Surgeon General wants to put paid work and parenthood on a level playing field, saying, “We must recognize the importance of being a parent and reflect it in the way we prioritize resources, planning strategy, to create working conditions, and to approach our discussions with parents.”
More public and government support
The Surgeon General says policies that will “invest in children’s health, education and safety” are key to improving parents’ mental health—but everyone close to parents has too and responsibility. The advice encourages the community to get involved with friendship, help, and emotional support, which will be important to reduce the burden placed on parents and guardians alone.
The ability to speak freely about problems
Another important part of that support, the General Practitioner says, is talking about the stress that comes with being a parent. Talking openly about those problems—whether financial or emotional—will help remove the shame and guilt that parents internalize.
The culture of the relationship between parents
As the loneliness epidemic—noted by the U.S. Surgeon General last year—takes a toll on already stressed parents, advice encourages parents and caregivers to connect, share experiences and thoughts, and support each other for the welfare of the parents.
More on parenting:
#Parental #stress #debilitating #surgeon #general #declared #public #health #issue