A new study published by JAMA Internal Medicine reveals a concerning decline in mental health among mothers in the U.S. from 2016 to 2023. Only 25.8% of surveyed mothers rated their mental health as 'excellent' in 2023, down from 38.4% in 2015. Even rates of 'good' mental health increased alongside those reporting 'fair/poor' mental health. Socioeconomic factors heavily influenced these findings, particularly affecting single parents and those with lower educational attainment. This deterioration aligns with prior warnings from health officials about rising stress levels among parents, especially mothers, compared to fathers.
"Of the 198,417 female parents of children 17 and under who were surveyed, only 25.8% reported 'excellent' mental health in 2023."
"Forty-one percent of parents say that most days they are so stressed they cannot function, and 48% say that most days their stress is completely overwhelming..."
"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..."
#maternal-mental-health #mental-health-decline #socioeconomic-factors #parental-stress #health-study
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