The United States Surgeon General, Dr. Vivek Murthy, issued a public health advisory on Wednesday, highlighting the profound impact of stress on the mental health of parents and caregivers. In the advisory, Murthy called on government agencies, businesses, and community organizations to increase resources and implement policies aimed at providing better support for parents, caregivers, and families.
This latest advisory is part of a broader effort by Murthy to address pressing public health concerns. In the past, he has used similar advisories to spotlight the dangers of gun violence and the mental health risks associated with social media for young people. Now, his focus has shifted to the challenges faced by parents, acknowledging the cascading effects of their mental health on the well-being of children and families.
A growing crisis for parents and caregivers
Murthy outlined a long list of issues that contribute to the overwhelming stress many parents experience, including financial pressures, lack of paid leave, limited access to affordable mental health care, and the daily challenges of balancing work and family responsibilities. He emphasized that these struggles are not only harming parents but also have a direct impact on the mental health of their children.
“Behind this crisis in the mental health of young people lies a real crisis for parents, many of whom are struggling with deep stress and mental health problems themselves,” Murthy told Reuters in an interview. “If you really want to help children, you have to help the parents, among other things.”
The advisory noted that there are at least 63 million parents and caregivers in the United States, with nearly half—48%—reporting that they feel completely overwhelmed. Single parents, in particular, are disproportionately affected, often facing higher levels of stress and loneliness compared to other caregivers.
Policy recommendations and workplace changes
To address the crisis, Murthy issued several key recommendations aimed at improving support systems for parents and caregivers. Among them, he urged federal, state, tribal, and local governments to:
- Expand funding for parental support programs.
- Establish a nationwide paid family and medical leave program.
- Ensure workers have access to paid sick leave.
- Provide caregivers with affordable mental health care options.
Murthy also emphasized the need for workplace reforms. He encouraged companies to implement training programs for managers on stress management and work-life balance, recognizing that workplace culture plays a significant role in shaping the mental health of employees who are parents.
In addition, he called on health professionals and social service organizations to screen parents for mental health challenges and other health problems, ensuring that caregivers receive the necessary support to cope with their responsibilities.
The link between parental and child mental health
Murthy’s advisory underscores the interconnectedness of parental and child mental health. Research has consistently shown that children are deeply affected by the emotional and psychological well-being of their caregivers. When parents experience high levels of stress or mental health challenges, it can lead to negative outcomes for children, including anxiety, depression, and difficulties in school.
By addressing the root causes of parental stress and providing caregivers with the resources they need, Murthy believes the mental health crisis among young people can also be mitigated.
A call to action
Murthy’s recommendations are a call to action for government agencies, businesses, and community organizations to take collective responsibility for supporting parents and caregivers. Expanding access to paid leave, affordable mental health care, and workplace flexibility are just some of the steps that could help alleviate the burden on millions of families.
As the Surgeon General noted, “If we truly want to support the next generation, we must start by supporting the parents and caregivers who are raising them.”