Study Reveals Alarming Decline in Maternal Mental Health: What You Need to Know

Mothers’ mental health in the U.S. has taken a significant hit from 2016 to 2023. A recent study published in JAMA Internal Medicine reveals some alarming trends. Fewer mothers reported feeling “excellent” about their mental health, while more indicated they felt poor, especially single parents and those with uninsured children.

This decline in mental health comes at a time when discussions around parenting and declining birth rates are front and center. Although the Trump administration proposed strategies to encourage marriage and parenthood, the situation appears dire. Former Surgeon General Dr. Vivek H. Murthy warned last year that many parents feel “exhausted and burned out.”

The new study analyzed data from nearly 200,000 mothers who took part in the National Survey of Children’s Health. It found that just 5% of mothers rated their mental health as poor or fair in 2016. By 2023, that number rose to about 8%. For fathers, the figure remained much lower, at about 4.5%.

Experts in maternal mental health, such as Dr. Tamar Gur from Ohio State University, emphasize that these findings aren’t surprising. Many have noticed the growing mental health struggles among mothers over the years. Dr. Gur believes that such research can provide reassurance to struggling mothers, helping them realize they are not alone.

Interestingly, this study mirrors societal shifts seen in previous decades. The Mental Health Foundation found that in the 1990s, discussions around mental health were scarce. Now, social media platforms are filled with mothers sharing their experiences, reflecting a more open dialogue about mental health.

According to a 2023 survey by the American Psychological Association, more than 70% of parents reported feeling stressed about obtaining childcare. Respondents also noted a lack of support systems, which can further impact mental health.

As the nation grapples with parenting challenges, the focus should remain on providing necessary resources and support for parents. Understanding these ongoing struggles is vital. With proper support, we can help improve mothers’ mental health and well-being.

For further reading, you can explore the findings in the original study here and insights from the American Psychological Association on parenting stress here.

Source link

Depression (Mental),Parenting,Mental Health and Disorders,Research,Anxiety and Stress,Children and Childhood,Families and Family Life