The growing need for parent mental health support has never been more evident. As both a mental health professional and parent, I’ve witnessed firsthand how today’s parents struggle with unprecedented challenges.

Let’s be honest – most of us parents didn’t need an official advisory to tell us we’re stressed. We live it every day. But when the Surgeon General recently shined a spotlight on parental mental health, it felt like a watershed moment. Finally, someone in authority validated what we’ve all been feeling: this isn’t just in our heads – it’s a legitimate health crisis that deserves attention.

33% of parents report high levels of stress in the past month compared to 20% of other adults. Parent mental health support is needed! — Content created by Office of the Surgeon General

The data is stark:

33% of parents report high levels of stress compared to 20% of other adults
Nearly half (48%) of parents report feeling completely overwhelmed by stress most days – almost double the rate of non-parents
66% of moms considered leaving the workforce last year due to the stress and cost of childcare, up 14% from 2023
Compared to adults without children, parents report being:
- 42% more likely to feel depressed
- 37% more burned out
- 31% lonelier
- 22% more tired

These numbers tell a powerful story: this is a shared struggle affecting parents across the country. You are not alone.

Why now, what has changed?

As I dig into the Surgeon General’s advisory, what strikes me most is how accurately it captures the perfect storm parents are facing today. At the Center for Neurocognitive Excellence (DCNE) we hear it daily – parents struggling with an impossible balancing act.

Childcare costs now rival mortgage payments for many families. We’re working more paid hours than ever while simultaneously spending more on childcare – something has to give, and usually it’s sleep, relationships, or our own wellbeing.

The advisory identifies key stressors impacting today’s parents:

Financial Pressure: Childcare costs consuming an unsustainable portion of family budgets
Time Demands: Splitting parents between careers and childcare
Children’s Health: Growing concerns about physical and mental health needs
Safety Concerns: Heightened worries, with school safety leading the way
Cultural Pressures: Intensive parenting culture demanding constant optimization
Social Isolation: Limited support systems compared to previous generations
Technology Challenges: Continuous navigation of digital parenting demands

The result? A level of constant stress that’s fundamentally different from normal parenting challenges. We see it in our patients, they’re not just tired, they are depleted.

The Impact Goes Beyond Parents

We see the ripple effects of parental stress in our patients – it’s never contained to just the parent. This Parental Mental Health & Well-Being report clearly demonstrates how this stress affects the whole family, with children of struggling parents being four times more likely to have poor general health and twice as likely to develop behavioral or developmental challenges.

Moving Forward: What Can We Do?

This advisory emphasizes an important message: caregivers need care too. It outlines four key steps for supporting parents, along with immediate steps we can take to create healthier environments for families:

Recognize parenting stress as a legitimate health concern
Acknowledge that seeking support isn’t a sign of weakness
Start talking openly about parental mental health challenges
Take action before reaching crisis point

We understand seeking help isn’t a sign of parenting failure – it’s a proactive step toward better health for your entire family. Our parent mental health support combines evidence-based treatment with practical strategies that work within the realities of busy family life.

Recognizing When You Need Support

As parents, we often dismiss our stress as “just part of parenting.” It can be challenging to distinguish between normal parenting challenges and signs that you might need additional support. While each parent’s experience is unique, there are common indicators that your mental health may need attention. Watch for these signs that parental stress may be impacting your wellbeing:

Persistent anxiety about parenting decisions
Overwhelming guilt about not doing “enough”
Physical symptoms like fatigue, headaches, or sleep issues
Difficulty concentrating at work or home
Feeling isolated or disconnected

If you think you might need additional help, we provide parents with the tools and support needed to manage these challenges effectively. Through specialized anxiety and depression treatment, we help parents:

Recognize and manage anxiety triggers
Develop practical and sustainable coping strategies
Address underlying neurocognitive patterns
Help build effective support systems
Find balance between parenting demands and self-care

Taking Action Through Professional Support

At DCNE, we understand that caring for caregivers isn’t optional – it’s essential. Our approach aligns with the Surgeon General’s recommendations for comprehensive parent mental health support, including:

Early screening and assessment
Preventive care strategies
Evidence-based anxiety and depression treatment
Ongoing support systems

Our Comprehensive Services

We offer evidence-based mental health support at DCNE, including:

Anxiety and depression therapy
EMDR therapy for overwhelming anxiety or trauma
Cutting-edge neurofeedback treatment (DC location only)
Comprehensive mental health assessments

Two Locations to Serve You

Washington, DC Location:

In-person and online therapy available
Neurofeedback services (in-person only)
Address: 1627 K ST NW, Suite 500 (5th floor) Washington, D.C. 20006
Phone: +1 202-998-ADHD (2343)
Email: [email protected]

Baltimore Location:

Take the First Step Toward Better Wellbeing

You don’t have to struggle alone. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed now or want to prevent burnout, we’re here to help. Schedule a free consultation to learn how our evidence-based approach can help you find balance.