The U.S. Surgeon General, Dr. Vivek Murthy, has raised concerns about the mental health implications of parenting, attributing the high stress levels associated with raising children as detrimental to parents' mental well-being.
According to The Post Millennial, in an advisory from the Biden-Harris Department of Health and Human Services, Murthy, a father of two, described parenting as the "toughest and most rewarding job hes ever undertaken. He expressed concern about the stress experienced by parents and caregivers, which he believes is indirectly and directly impacting children, families, and communities across America.
The advisory highlighted alarming statistics, stating, When stress is severe or prolonged, it can have a deleterious effect; 41% of parents say that most days they are so stressed they cannot function and 48% say that most days their stress is completely overwhelming compared to other adults (20% and 26%, respectively).
Dr. Murthy identified the unique challenges of the current generation, including social media, a youth mental health crisis, and an epidemic of loneliness affecting both young people and their parents. He noted these issues despite the fact that previous generations faced their own significant struggles, often of a financial nature.
Murthy was quoted in the advisory saying, Struggles like how to manage the harms of social media, how to deal with gun violence in communities and the youth mental-health crisis are newer issues that the current generation of parents are dealing with and they need to be a priority.
The Surgeon General also highlighted the guilt and shame that many parents and caregivers experience, often leading them to conceal their struggles. This, he suggested, perpetuates a vicious cycle where stress leads to guilt, which in turn leads to more stress.
In response to these challenges, Murthy advocated for increased government intervention, including mandatory time off work for family sickness, more affordable daycare, and increased availability of mental health services. He stated, Raising children is sacred work. It should matter to all of us. And the health and well-being of those who are caring for our children should matter to us as well.
Dr. Murthy, appointed by President Joe Biden, has previously opposed Florida's Parental Rights in Education law and called for the censorship of Joe Rogan due to guests on his show disputing the science behind Bidens COVID mandates. Regarding the Florida law, Murthy expressed his concern in 2022, stating, "Florida's recent law restricting discussion about gender identity in school has understandably raised serious concerns. The law concerns me too."
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