The findings indicate that only 25.8% of mothers reported “excellent” mental health in 2023, a sharp drop from 38.4% in 2016. The number of mothers describing their mental health as “good” increased from 18.8% to 26.1%, while those reporting “fair/poor” mental health rose from 5.5% to 8.5%.
The study also noted a 64% increase in mothers reporting fair or poor health overall.
Jamie Daw, lead author of the study and assistant professor at Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, emphasized that these declines began before the COVID-19 pandemic, suggesting broader societal and population-level factors at play.
Physical health also deteriorated during this period, with 15% fewer mothers reporting “excellent” physical health. Vulnerable mothers, including single, younger, less-educated mothers, and those with multiracial children or public/uninsured status, were disproportionately affected.
Experts warn that worsening maternal mental health can have far-reaching consequences across generations. Poor mental health in mothers is linked to complications during childbirth, early childhood development issues, and long-term physical and mental health problems in children.
“Poor mental health contributes to maternal mortality and increases the risk of other poor health outcomes for both mom and baby,” said Dr. Jade Cobern, a board-certified physician in pediatrics and preventive medicine. “A mother’s health is integral to a child’s overall well-being.”
The study also found that fathers experienced declines in mental health, though mothers were consistently worse off, with one in 12 mothers reporting “fair/poor” mental health compared to one in 22 fathers.
These findings underscore the urgency of addressing parental mental health. While most research has focused on mothers around childbirth, this study suggests that support for parents needs to extend beyond the postpartum period.
“We need to reframe maternal mental health to not only focus on pregnancy and postpartum,” said Daw. “Mothers of children of all ages are reporting worse mental health.”
In August 2024, the U.S. Surgeon General issued an advisory on parental pressures, calling for policy changes, community programs, and individual action to protect the mental health of caregivers. Cobern emphasized the importance of prioritizing mental health resources for all parents.
“There is no shame in speaking up about mental health,” Cobern said. “It’s a sign of great strength to seek help when needed.”
