WASHINGTON – US Surgeon General Vivek Murthy on August 28 issued a public health advisory addressing the growing mental health challenges faced by parents, urging government, businesses, and communities to increase support for families amid modern pressures.
In the advisory, Murthy called for comprehensive policy changes, including expanded funding from federal, state, tribal, and local governments, the establishment of national paid family and medical leave programs, and ensuring workers have paid sick time. He also emphasized the need for caregivers to have access to affordable mental health care options.
Murthy highlighted the direct connection between the mental health of parents and their children, stating that addressing parents’ stress and mental health struggles is crucial to helping younger generations. “Behind this youth mental health crisis is a real crisis with parents, where many of them are struggling with profound stress and with their own mental health challenges,” he said in an interview with Reuters. “If you really want to help kids, one of the things you’ve got to do is actually help parents.”
The advisory recommends that employers implement training programs for managers on stress management and work-life balance. It also encourages healthcare providers and social service organizations to screen parents for mental health issues.
Murthy’s advisory pointed out that there are at least 63 million parents and caregivers in the US, with nearly half reporting feelings of being completely overwhelmed. Single parents, in particular, are experiencing higher levels of loneliness and isolation
Murthy’s call for paid family and medical leave aligns with President Joe Biden’s agenda, which faced setbacks in Congress. Despite these political hurdles, Murthy stressed that parental well-being should not be viewed through a partisan lens. “As a country, we need to invest more in caring for … parents and supporting their well-being,” he said.
Murthy’s tenure is expected to conclude at the end of Biden’s term in January, but his focus remains on improving support systems for parents and caregivers across the nation.