Parent stress is now considered an 'urgent public health issue' by the US surgeon general.

On Wednesday, Vivek Murthy, the U.S. Surgeon General, released a public health advisory concerning the mental well-being of parents.

The advisory, reserved for significant public health challenges, discussed factors causing stress for parents and the urgent need for support.

The health of our children and society is significantly influenced by parents, as stated by Murthy in a post by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

Parents and caregivers today face immense pressures, including familiar stressors such as worrying about their kids' health and safety, financial concerns, and new challenges like navigating technology and social media, a youth mental health crisis, and an epidemic of loneliness that has hit young people the hardest.

"I, as a father of two children, experience these pressures as well."

In the 30-page advisory, Murthy advocated for a "complete transformation" in prioritizing the mental health and well-being of parents.

He stated that he was also outlining policies, programs, and individual actions that could support parents and caregivers.

In contrast to 20% of other adults, 30% of parents experienced high levels of stress in the past month, as per the advisory.

According to Murthy, severe stress can negatively impact one's ability to function, with 41% of parents reporting that they experience so much stress on most days that they cannot function, and 48% stating that their stress is completely overwhelming on most days.

What's causing this stress?

Parents and caregivers are facing stress due to the COVID-19 pandemic, financial stability, health and safety concerns, managing technology and social media, loneliness, cultural pressures, and their children's future.

The leading cause of death among children and adolescents in the U.S. is firearm-related injury, which has caused school safety concerns among parents to rise.

Parents often encounter challenges such as family or community violence, poverty, and racism and discrimination, which can negatively affect their mental health.

The advisory pointed out that children's well-being is affected by both maternal and paternal mental health conditions.

"Child outcomes can be significantly influenced by maternal mental health conditions, which can impact a child's well-being and environment."

What can be done?

The surgeon general plans to "reduce stress levels for parents and caregivers at all times," he stated.

Governments and employers should establish programs to provide affordable mental health care, paid family and medical leave, and other family services, as advised by Murthy's advisory.

The surgeon general urged schools and communities to offer support services and groups to assist parents in managing stress.

Robin Hilmantel, senior director of editorial strategy and growth at What to Expect, part of Everyday Health, stated to Planet Chronicle Digital that this advisory represents a long-overdue recognition of what has been evident for some time: Parents are facing challenges.

Thirty percent of U.S. parents reported high levels of stress in the past month.

More than two-thirds of moms (68%) and 79% of Gen Z moms experience anxiety, according to a What to Expect survey of over 3,000 women.

Parenthood is isolating, with 76% of moms stating they lack sufficient support, according to Hilmantel, a researcher based in North Carolina.

She stated that 83% of Gen Z moms feel pressure to be a perfect parent due to the culture of comparison.

Besides safety, lack of time for themselves, finances, and children's development, other top parental stressors, according to the survey, include these.

Eighty-three percent of Gen Z moms say they feel pressure to be a perfect parent.

Hilmantel stated that it's important to remember that other parents are also facing their own stressors, so you're not alone if you feel overwhelmed.

"Don't let social media's highlight reel mislead you into feeling bad about your parenting."

The expert advised parents to develop a support system by nurturing relationships with friends, family, and acquaintances.

By attending in-person meetups and joining online communities, parents can connect with other new parents and openly discuss any struggles they may be facing.

Hilmantel stated that it is not embarrassing to seek assistance from family and friends.