Maternal mental health declining in the U.S.

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A recent study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that mothers across all sociodemographic groups are struggling with their mental and physical health, with only 25% of moms in the U.S. reporting “excellent” mental health. Experts warn that poor maternal mental health can affect not only mothers but also their children, with potential impacts on childbirth, early development, and long-term well-being. In response to growing concerns, the U.S. surgeon general issued an advisory highlighting the pressures on parents and calling for broader efforts, including policy changes and community programs, to support caregivers’ mental health.

Source

Daw JR, MacCallum-Bridges CL, Admon LK. Trends and Disparities in Maternal Self-Reported Mental and Physical Health. JAMA Intern Med. 2025;185(7):857–865. doi:10.1001/jamainternmed.2025.1260

Additional Reading

https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/2025/06/09/mothers-mental-health-decline-parenting/

https://abcnews.go.com/GMA/Wellness/moms-mental-health-declining-study/story?id=122229228

https://www.sciencenews.org/article/mothers-mental-health-declining