A large national study has found that the mental health of mothers in the United States has sharply declined over the past seven years — and their physical health is also suffering. Fathers, however, have not experienced the same dramatic changes.
The study, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, surveyed nearly 200,000 mothers of children aged 17 or younger between 2016 and 2023. Participants were asked to rate their health using four categories: excellent, very good, good, or fair/poor.
The results showed a 64% increase in the number of mothers who reported “fair” or “poor” mental health. Only one in four moms said they were in “excellent” mental health. The study also found that physical health among mothers has declined, particularly for women in minority communities.
By contrast, fathers’ mental and physical health remained relatively stable. In 2023, 8.5% of mothers reported poor mental health compared to just 4.5% of fathers. Across all years studied, male parents consistently reported better physical and mental health.
Why Are Moms Struggling More?
Researchers found that certain groups of women are especially vulnerable:
- Single mothers
- Mothers with lower education levels
- Mothers of children with public or no insurance
- U.S.-born mothers
- Racial minority women (reported higher rates of poor physical health)
These moms face greater challenges — from financial stress to lack of support — which may help explain their declining well-being.
What Experts Are Saying
Last year, U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy called parental mental health “a serious public health concern.”
“Parents who feel pushed to the brink deserve more than platitudes,” he said. “They need tangible support.”
Researchers behind the new study agree. They say the U.S. urgently needs to invest in better resources for moms, especially those with fewer economic opportunities.
Practical Advice for Moms
Experts suggest a few steps families and communities can take to support mothers’ health:
Make time for rest: Even short breaks during the day can help restore energy.
Seek professional help: Mental health counseling, even online, can offer tools to manage stress.
Build support networks: Talking to other parents, joining groups, or leaning on trusted friends can reduce feelings of isolation.
Encourage shared parenting: Dads and partners can help ease the load by taking on more household and childcare duties.
Conclusion
This new research highlights a growing crisis: American mothers are suffering, and many are being left behind. The mental and physical health gap between moms and dads is real — and growing. More support, both emotional and practical, is needed to help mothers stay healthy and resilient.
