Mothers in the United States are facing alarming declines in their mental and physical health, with a recent study revealing that only 25% perceive their health as “excellent.” This research, published in the respected journal JAMA Internal Medicine, analyzed the wellness of 198,417 mothers with children aged 17 and under over a seven-year span from 2016 to 2023. The findings indicate a marked deterioration in mothers’ self-reported mental health, highlighting societal concerns about maternal wellbeing.
The study utilized a four-point scale to assess health outcomes, categorizing responses as excellent, very good, good, or fair/poor. Between 2016 and 2023, the proportion of mothers rating their mental health as “excellent” dropped significantly from 38.4% to 25.8%. Meanwhile, those considering their mental health “good” increased from 18.8% to 26.1%, while the number reporting “fair” or “poor” mental health rose from 5.5% to 8.5%. Physical health ratings mirrored these trends, with “excellent” physical health decreasing from 28.0% to 23.9%. However, the “good” category saw a rise from 24.3% to 28.1%. The number of mothers categorizing their physical health as “fair/poor” remained mostly unchanged.
These findings reflect broader trends in rising rates of anxiety and depression among women of childbearing age and resonate with concerns within the entire U.S. population. Researchers emphasize that these declining health trends are a critical early warning for broader women’s health issues, linking maternal mental health to societal wellbeing.
The study’s authors noted significant disparities, stating, “Mental health declines occurred across all socioeconomic subgroups; however, mental and physical health status was significantly lower for single female parents, those with lower educational attainment, and those with publicly insured children.” Interestingly, the research also assessed male parents, revealing that while their physical and mental health ratings also declined, they remained significantly higher than those of female parents. For example, in 2023, female parents were four percentage points more likely to report “fair/poor” mental health compared to their male counterparts.
This examination of maternal mental health is particularly pertinent given recent calls for a nationwide shift in attitudes toward parenting and caregiving. Former U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy emphasized the critical importance of parental health, stating in his advisory, “The work of parenting is essential not only for the health of children but also for the health of society.” He further noted that the wellbeing of parents is closely intertwined with the wellbeing of their children.
To help foster better mental health among mothers, experts advocate for a comprehensive approach that includes addressing systemic inequities, enhancing access to mental health resources, and promoting the physical and emotional wellbeing of mothers. While further research is essential to pinpoint the specific causes behind these declines, theorized factors include barriers to mental health care, social isolation, rising substance use disorders, and external stressors like economic inflation and systemic racism.
As awareness about these issues grows, the call for systemic changes in how society supports parents becomes increasingly urgent. Improving maternal mental health is not just beneficial for mothers but vital for healthier families and communities.
Original Source: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/health-news/mothers-and-mental-health-study-finds-shocking-data-for-moms-mental-health-in-the-us/articleshow/121451587.cms
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Publish Date: 2025-05-28 06:14:00
