Study: U.S. Mothers’ Mental Health Sharply Declines

A major study published in JAMA Internal Medicine shows that the proportion of U.S. mothers reporting 'excellent' mental health fell from 38.4% in 2016 to 25.8% in 2023, while those reporting 'fair/poor' mental health rose from 5.5% to 8.5%. Physical health also worsened, though less dramatically, with 'excellent' physical health declining from 28.0% to 23.9%. The decline in mental health spanned all socioeconomic groups, with the largest impact seen among single mothers, those with lower education, and mothers with publicly insured or uninsured children. Notably, these negative trends began before the COVID-19 pandemic, pointing to broader societal issues. Experts warn of lasting consequences for both mothers and children, urging greater investment in support for vulnerable families. The findings highlight a growing national concern about parental well-being and its implications for family and societal health.