A new report by the United States surgeon general highlighted that parents are more likely to experience severe and prolonged stress compared to non-parents. The report cited unique stressors that come with raising children, including financial strain, time demands, concerns about children’s health and safety, and parental isolation. United States Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy called for a fundamental shift in how we value and prioritize the mental health and well-being of parents. The report emphasized the need for policies, programs, and individual actions to support parents and caregivers.
The report by Dr. Murthy also recommended policy changes and expanded community programs to help parents and caregivers access paid time off to be with a sick child, affordable child care, reliable mental health care, and social connection opportunities. The advisory stressed the importance of fostering a culture that values mental health support for caregivers and parents. Michael Cooper, vice-president of Mental Health Research Canada, noted that the report aligns with indicators of burnout among Canadians. Younger Canadian parents, particularly those below the age of 29, were found to have elevated anxiety levels, with higher rates of severe depression among those with older children.
LGBTQ2 and newcomer parents were highlighted as having higher levels of burnout compared to the general population, potentially due to social stigma around mental health or social isolation. Access to care and support was identified as a major issue for many young mothers, especially during the pandemic. The report noted challenges faced by pregnant or postpartum mothers in accessing proper health, mental health, and family support. Cooper emphasized the impact of the cost-of-living crisis on parents, with rising inflation leading to increased rates of burnout among those struggling financially.
A testimony from a 29-year-old father highlighted financial concerns amid job insecurity following the pandemic. Young parents were found to have higher levels of food insecurity, impacting their ability to provide nutritious meals for their families. The Mental Health Research Canada tracks food insecurity on three levels, with low food insecurity also posing a significant stressor for parents who may be unable to afford balanced meals for their children. Cooper emphasized the importance of governments taking action to reduce the cost of groceries and improve overall food security to support young parents.
Overall, the report underscores the need for greater support for parents and caregivers, with a focus on addressing the unique stressors they face in raising children. Policy changes, expanded community programs, and a shift in societal norms to promote mental health support were recommended as key approaches to reducing stress and burnout among parents. The report also highlighted the specific challenges faced by younger parents, LGBTQ2 and newcomer parents, as well as the impact of the cost-of-living crisis on family well-being. Addressing these issues through targeted interventions and support systems can help alleviate the burden on parents and improve overall mental health outcomes.
