Surgeon General Says Parenting Stress is Reaching Concerning Levels—Here’s Why

The U.S. Surgeon General, Dr. Vivek Murthy, is raising awareness about the mental health challenges that many parents face today. In an advisory released on Wednesday, Dr. Murthy, who is also a father of two, shared his personal perspective on the difficulties of parenting, calling it both the “toughest and most rewarding” job he has ever had.

According to the advisory, 41% of parents say they feel so stressed most days that they struggle to function, while 48% find their stress overwhelming compared to other adults. Dr. Murthy noted that these high-stress levels affect not only the parents but also have a broader impact on families and communities across the country. “The stress parents and caregivers face today is being passed to children in direct and indirect ways,” he said.

Murthy emphasized that today’s parents face a different set of challenges than previous generations. Issues like the pressures of social media, a growing youth mental health crisis, and increasing feelings of loneliness among both parents and young people are contributing to the stress. Earlier this year, Murthy suggested that social media companies should consider adding labels to warn users about the potential mental health impacts on young people.

He also pointed out that many parents feel guilt and shame about their struggles, which can lead them to hide their feelings rather than seek support. “I have found guilt and shame have become pervasive, often leading them to hide their struggles, which perpetuates a vicious cycle where stress leads to guilt which leads to more stress,” Murthy explained.

To better support parents, Dr. Murthy suggested a need for policy changes and community programs. These could include more flexible work arrangements to care for a sick child, affordable childcare options, and accessible mental health resources. He also called for a shift in cultural attitudes toward parenting, recognizing it as valuable work essential to society. “The work of raising a child is work, no less valuable than the work performed in a paid job,” he said.

Dr. Murthy concluded by urging more open conversations about the challenges of parenting and creating supportive environments for parents. “Raising children is important work,” he said. “And the health and well-being of those who are caring for our children should matter to us as well.”