Advisory Issued Regarding the Mental Health and Well-Being of Parents

A recent Department of Health and Human Services press release announced an advisory issued by the U.S. Surgeon General regarding the mental health and well-being of parents. The advisory highlights an urgent need to better support parents, caregivers, and families. Over the past decade, parents have reported experiencing higher levels of stress in comparison to other adults. Stress, if prolonged, can be harmful and have a significant impact on the mental health of parents and caregivers, which can also affect the well-being of the children they provide care to. Children of parents with mental health conditions can be at a higher risk of experiencing symptoms of depression and anxiety. U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy stated, “With this Advisory, I am calling for a fundamental shift in how we value and prioritize the mental health and well-being of parents. I am also outlining policies, programs, and individual actions we can all take to support parents and caregivers.” You can read the full Advisory here.