CNN — The escalating stress levels among parents in the United States have reached alarming proportions, according to a new advisory released by U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy on Wednesday. The advisory calls for urgent changes in both policy and cultural attitudes to address what has now been identified as a significant public health issue.
Dr. Murthy, a father of two, emphasized the critical role of parenting not just for the health of children but for society as a whole. “The well-being of parents and caregivers is directly linked to the well-being of their children,” Murthy stated in the advisory, underscoring the importance of supporting those who raise the next generation.
The advisory outlines how, since 1985, parents have seen a dramatic increase in both work hours and the time spent on primary child care. These demands, the report notes, have come at the expense of quality time with partners, adequate sleep, and leisure, exacerbating the stress faced by many parents. The strain is particularly intense for those also caring for aging relatives or other loved ones.
Murthy also pointed to a “culture of comparison” fueled by social media, where parents constantly measure their achievements and milestones against others. This culture, he argues, has left many feeling overwhelmed and perpetually behind.
A 2023 survey by the American Psychological Association, cited in the advisory, found that 33% of parents reported experiencing high levels of stress in the past month, compared to 20% of other adults. Murthy contends that addressing this issue requires a fundamental shift in how society values parenting, equating time spent raising children with the importance of paid work.
“It’s time to value and respect time spent parenting on par with time spent working at a paying job,” the advisory states, calling for societal support that allows parents to openly discuss their stress without stigma. Like previous advisories, Murthy stresses the need for greater connection to combat the loneliness and isolation that many parents experience.
In an essay for The New York Times, Murthy highlighted the severe impact of parental stress on mental health, drawing parallels to other hidden public health crises. “Parents who feel pushed to the brink deserve more than platitudes. They need tangible support,” he wrote.
To address this growing concern, the advisory recommends several policy initiatives, including a national paid family and medical leave program, paid sick time for all workers, expanded financial assistance for child care, and the implementation of universal preschool programs like Head Start. Employers are encouraged to offer more robust support for parents, such as paid leave, flexible work schedules, and stress management training.
Communities, schools, and healthcare providers are also urged to enhance screening and support services, particularly for parents most at risk. Additionally, the advisory calls for further research to develop standardized measures of parental mental health and well-being.
On an individual level, simple acts of support, such as helping parents with everyday tasks, can significantly ease their burden. “Showing up to help so parents can eat a meal or take a shower goes a long way toward helping parents feel supported and seen,” Murthy noted.
Speaking on CNN, Murthy emphasized the need for a national cultural shift. “If we’re going to really make supporting parents a priority, then we’ve got to have a major culture shift in our country, such that we see parenting as central to the health and well-being of society,” he said.
Surgeon General advisories are public statements aimed at raising awareness about pressing health issues. Dr. Murthy has previously issued advisories on topics such as health misinformation, gun violence, and mental health concerns, including loneliness, isolation, and the impact of social media on youth.
“The bottom line is that we’ve got to start seeing mental health as health,” Murthy concluded. “It is no less important than our physical health. If we can attend to both our mental and physical health, then we have a good chance of being happy, healthy, and fulfilled—and that’s what we all want for ourselves and especially for our kids.”