Moms in the U.S. report large decline in mental health in recent years, study finds

A recent study published in JAMA Internal Medicine revealed concerning findings about the physical and mental health of mothers in the United States. The study, which focused on 198,417 mothers with children under the age of 17, showed significant declines in self-reported maternal mental health and slight declines in physical health from 2016 to 2023.

According to the study, only about a fourth of mothers reported having “excellent” physical and mental health. The prevalence of “excellent” mental health decreased from 38.4% to 25.8%, while the prevalence of “excellent” physical health declined from 28.0% to 23.9%. On the other hand, the percentage of mothers reporting “good” mental and physical health increased slightly during the same period.

The study also highlighted disparities in health outcomes among different socioeconomic subgroups. Single female parents, those with lower educational attainment, and those with publicly insured children reported lower mental and physical health status compared to others. Interestingly, the study also found declines in both “excellent” physical and mental health among male parents, although they still had better overall health scores than female parents.

The findings of this study align with the documented increase in depression and anxiety among pregnant and reproductive-aged women, as well as the general adult population in the United States. The authors suggest that maternal health may serve as an indicator of women’s health more broadly, emphasizing the importance of addressing mental health issues among mothers.

While more research is needed to pinpoint the specific causes of declining mental health among mothers, the study authors propose several leading theories. These include limited access to mental health care, social isolation, rising substance use disorders, and broader stressors such as inflation, racism, gun violence, and climate change.

In a related advisory titled “Parents Under Pressure,” former U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy emphasized the crucial role of parenting in society and highlighted the interconnectedness of parental and child well-being. The advisory called for changes in national attitudes toward parenting and caregiving to support the mental health of parents.

As we navigate these challenging times, it is essential to prioritize the mental health and well-being of parents, particularly mothers who play a vital role in shaping the health of future generations. By addressing the underlying factors contributing to declining mental health and promoting access to support services, we can work towards improving the overall health outcomes of mothers in the United States.