A recent study published in JAMA Internal Medicine highlights a growing concern regarding the mental and physical health of mothers. The comprehensive survey, which included 189,417 mothers from 2016 to 2023, reveals alarming trends in maternal health, indicating a significant decline in mental well-being among mothers in the United States.
According to the findings, only 25.8% of mothers reported having “excellent” mental health in 2023, a stark decrease from 38.4% in 2016. Moreover, the percentage of mothers describing their mental health as “good” rose from 18.8% to 26.1%, while those rating their mental health as “fair” or “poor” increased from 5.5% to 8.5%. Jamie Daw, the lead author of the study and an assistant professor at the Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, stated, “We found a dramatic increase in mothers reporting fair or poor health — a 64% increase.” This decline in mental health appears to have started before the COVID-19 pandemic, suggesting that broader societal and population-level factors are at play.
In addition to the troubling decline in mental health, the study also revealed a significant drop in the physical health of mothers. There was a 15% decrease in the number of mothers reporting “excellent” physical health, and more women indicated their health as merely “good.” Vulnerable mothers, including those who are single, younger, less educated, or have multiracial children, have been disproportionately affected by these declines.
Experts warn that the decline in maternal mental health can have far-reaching consequences across generations. Poor mental health in mothers is linked to complications during childbirth, adverse effects on early childhood development, and long-term physical and mental health issues for children. Dr. Jade Cobern, a board-certified physician in pediatrics and preventive medicine, emphasized, “We know that poor mental health contributes to maternal mortality and increases the risk of other poor health outcomes for both mom and baby.” She advocates for mothers to prioritize their own health as an integral part of their child’s well-being.
The study also noted that fathers are experiencing declines in mental health, although mothers are consistently worse off. Specifically, one in 12 mothers reported fair or poor mental health compared to one in 22 fathers. This disparity underscores the urgency of addressing parental mental health, as most previous research has concentrated primarily on mothers during the postpartum period.
Jamie Daw suggests that it is essential to broaden the focus on maternal mental health to include all stages of parenting, not just pregnancy and postpartum. “American mothers who are parenting children of all ages are reporting worse mental health,” she stated, highlighting the need for a more comprehensive approach to parental support.
In August 2024, the U.S. Surgeon General issued an advisory addressing parental pressures, calling for policy changes, community programs, and individual action to safeguard the mental health of caregivers. Dr. Cobern stresses the importance of prioritizing mental health resources for all parents to ensure families can thrive. “There is no shame in speaking up about mental health. It’s a sign of great strength to seek help when needed,” she remarked.
This study serves as a crucial reminder of the challenges faced by mothers and the pressing need for enhanced support systems to foster better mental and physical health for parents and their children.
