Rising Challenge: Increasing Number of Mothers Face Mental and Physical Health Struggles – Insights from Latest Study on Maternal Well-Being

A recent study highlights a concerning trend: many mothers in the U.S. are experiencing declining mental and physical health. Conducted by researchers and published in JAMA Internal Medicine, the study surveyed over 189,000 mothers from 2016 to 2023.

The results are alarming. Only 25.8% of mothers reported "excellent" mental health in 2023, a steep drop from 38.4% in 2016. Meanwhile, mothers describing their mental health as "good" rose from 18.8% to 26.1%, and those who said their health was "fair" or "poor" climbed from 5.5% to 8.5%.

Jamie Daw, the lead author of the study, says, "We found a dramatic increase in mothers reporting fair or poor health—a 64% increase." This decline began before the pandemic, indicating that broader societal issues may be at play.

In terms of physical health, 15% fewer mothers reported "excellent" health over the same period. Vulnerable groups—single mothers, younger moms, and those with less education—felt these effects most acutely.

Experts emphasize that mothers’ mental health is key to both their own well-being and that of their children. Dr. Jade Cobern, a pediatrician, stresses that "poor mental health contributes to maternal mortality" and affects early childhood development. She advises mothers to prioritize their health to support their children’s health better.

Interestingly, fathers are also facing mental health challenges, but mothers report higher levels of distress. The study found that one in 12 mothers described their mental health as "fair" or "poor," compared to one in 22 fathers.

These findings underscore the need for a broader focus on parental mental health, beyond just the postpartum period. Daw suggests, “American mothers who are parenting children of all ages are reporting worse mental health.”

In August 2024, the U.S. surgeon general issued an advisory on this issue, urging for community support, policy changes, and better mental health resources for caregivers.

As society moves forward, experts like Dr. Cobern advocate for prioritizing mental health resources for all parents. She states, "There is no shame in speaking up about mental health. It’s a sign of great strength to seek help when needed."

For further exploration, check out the full study here.

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