U.S. Surgeon General Issues Advisory on the Mental Health and Well-Being of Parents
U.S. Surgeon General Issues Advisory on the Mental Health and Well-Being of Parents
Surgeon General Issues Advisory on Parental Mental Well-being
Washington, D.C. August 28, 2024
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: HHS Press Office
202-690-6343
OSGPress@hhs.gov
U.S. Surgeon General Calls for Urgent Support for Parents' Mental Health
Today, the United States Surgeon General, Dr. Vivek Murthy, released a timely Surgeon General's Advisory on the Mental Health and Well-Being of Parents, underscoring the pressing need to provide better support for parents, caregivers, and families.
Dr. Murthy emphasized the heightened stress levels experienced by parents in recent years, with 33% reporting high stress levels compared to 20% of other adults. This stress can adversely affect their mental health, with children of parents with mental health conditions facing increased risks for mental health issues.
"Parents have a profound impact on the health of our children and our society," said Dr. Murthy. "Yet they face tremendous pressures, from concerns about their kids' health and safety to navigating social media and the youth mental health crisis. As a father of two, I am well aware of these challenges."
The advisory calls for a paradigm shift in valuing parental mental health and outlines actionable steps for various stakeholders:
National, Territorial, State, Local, and Tribal Governments:
Implement paid family leave policies
Improve access to affordable childcare
Expand mental health services
Employers:
Enhance workplace support for parents, including flexible work arrangements and paid time off for childcare
Communities, Community Organizations, and Schools:
Offer social connection and support groups for parents
Provide resources for technology and social media literacy
Health and Social Service Systems and Professionals:
Screen for mental health issues in parents
Increase the availability of mental health services for parents
Researchers:
Conduct research on the impact of societal factors on parental stress
Identify and develop effective interventions
Family and Friends:
Provide emotional support and practical assistance to parents
Parents and Caregivers:
Prioritize self-care and seek support when needed
Engage in activities that promote their mental well-being
The advisory emphasizes the importance of addressing the societal stressors that contribute to parental stress, such as financial strain, time constraints, and cultural pressures. It recognizes that supporting parents is not only essential for their own well-being but also for the health and future of children and society.
This advisory builds on the Biden-Harris Administration's efforts to provide support to families, including initiatives to increase paid family leave, enhance early childhood education, and invest in mental health care.
Additional Resources:
Read the full Surgeon General's Advisory here:
[Insert Link]
Learn more about the Office of the Surgeon General:
[Insert Link]
# # #
Washington, D.C. August 28, 2024
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: HHS Press Office
202-690-6343
OSGPress@hhs.gov
U.S. Surgeon General Calls for Urgent Support for Parents' Mental Health
Today, the United States Surgeon General, Dr. Vivek Murthy, released a timely Surgeon General's Advisory on the Mental Health and Well-Being of Parents, underscoring the pressing need to provide better support for parents, caregivers, and families.
Dr. Murthy emphasized the heightened stress levels experienced by parents in recent years, with 33% reporting high stress levels compared to 20% of other adults. This stress can adversely affect their mental health, with children of parents with mental health conditions facing increased risks for mental health issues.
"Parents have a profound impact on the health of our children and our society," said Dr. Murthy. "Yet they face tremendous pressures, from concerns about their kids' health and safety to navigating social media and the youth mental health crisis. As a father of two, I am well aware of these challenges."
The advisory calls for a paradigm shift in valuing parental mental health and outlines actionable steps for various stakeholders:
National, Territorial, State, Local, and Tribal Governments:
Implement paid family leave policies
Improve access to affordable childcare
Expand mental health services
Employers:
Enhance workplace support for parents, including flexible work arrangements and paid time off for childcare
Communities, Community Organizations, and Schools:
Offer social connection and support groups for parents
Provide resources for technology and social media literacy
Health and Social Service Systems and Professionals:
Screen for mental health issues in parents
Increase the availability of mental health services for parents
Researchers:
Conduct research on the impact of societal factors on parental stress
Identify and develop effective interventions
Family and Friends:
Provide emotional support and practical assistance to parents
Parents and Caregivers:
Prioritize self-care and seek support when needed
Engage in activities that promote their mental well-being
The advisory emphasizes the importance of addressing the societal stressors that contribute to parental stress, such as financial strain, time constraints, and cultural pressures. It recognizes that supporting parents is not only essential for their own well-being but also for the health and future of children and society.
This advisory builds on the Biden-Harris Administration's efforts to provide support to families, including initiatives to increase paid family leave, enhance early childhood education, and invest in mental health care.
Additional Resources:
Read the full Surgeon General's Advisory here:
[Insert Link]
Learn more about the Office of the Surgeon General:
[Insert Link]
# # #