Surgeon General: Parent Stress Is a Public Health Challenge

U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy has issued a public health advisory highlighting the mental health challenges faced by parents due to modern stresses. The advisory calls for increased resources and policy changes to support parents, including expanding funding, establishing a national paid family and medical leave program, and providing affordable mental health care options. Murthy emphasized the importance of addressing parental stress to positively impact children's mental health.

The advisory also recommends that employers implement training programs for managers on stress management and work-life balance. Healthcare professionals and social service groups are encouraged to screen parents for mental health conditions. Murthy noted that nearly half of parents report high stress levels, compared to a quarter of individuals without children, underscoring the need for comprehensive support systems. The advisory advocates for community support and policy reforms to aid diverse family structures, including same-sex and nonbinary parents, blended families, foster parents, and single parents.