“I could just let go.” Rosanna Breaux pushed the intrusive thought away and tightened her grip on the steering wheel, glancing at her newborn twins in the backseat. She reminded herself that these thoughts were not hers, but rather a symptom of postpartum depression.
Despite being a clinical psychologist who was well aware of the signs and symptoms of mental health challenges, Breaux found the experience distressing. She empathized with others who may not recognize these thoughts or feel ashamed for having them.
Surprisingly, a CDC study revealed that roughly one in 14 children has a parent or caregiver with poor mental health. Additionally, a study by the American Psychological Association found that one in three parents reported high levels of stress in 2023, the highest since 2015.
Experts attribute this increase in stress to a combination of traditional and new pressures faced by parents, including financial worries, technological advancements, and a rise in youth mental health issues.
To address this mental health crisis, Surgeon General Vivek Murthy issued an advisory warning about the impact of rising rates of youth mental illness on parents. Breaux, who leads Virginia Tech’s Child Study Center, emphasized the need for parents to prioritize their mental health.
She highlighted the importance of practicing emotion regulation and finding healthy coping mechanisms, such as taking a walk, seeking social support, or practicing mindfulness. Breaux also stressed the need for parents to take care of themselves in order to effectively support their children.
Despite the lack of resources specifically tailored to parents dealing with mental health challenges, Breaux emphasized the importance of developing skills to manage these issues. By prioritizing their own well-being, parents can better support their children and navigate the challenges of parenthood. According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the rising cost of child care has been particularly burdensome for parents. Clinical psychologist Amber Thornton, based in Washington, believes there is a child care crisis, highlighting the difficulty in finding child care due to access and financial constraints. With over 70 percent of married-couple households in the U.S. being dual-income, the challenge of balancing work and child care is evident.
Thornton notes a shift in family dynamics, with fewer extended family members available for child care support due to longer work hours or family estrangement. This lack of communal support can lead to chronic stress for parents. Thornton recommends seeking mental health professionals or connecting with other parents for support.
Mother of seven and mom coach Hannah Keeley discusses the concept of “mom brain,” a term she uses to describe the biological changes in a woman’s brain post-pregnancy. This rewiring prioritizes protective instincts over self-preservation, leading to what she calls “mom fog.” Keeley suggests external interruptions to break negative thought patterns associated with these changes.
Both moms and dads are facing societal pressures not experienced by previous generations, such as the risks of social media on children’s safety and mental health. These additional stressors contribute to the challenges of parenting in today’s society. Studies have shown that parents are susceptible to the mental health risks associated with using social media platforms.
A 2020 study of mothers with young children found a link between maternal depression and problematic phone use, as well as technology interference in parenting. Another review in the same year highlighted the effects of social media on mental health, specifically addressing “social media envy” leading to increased anxiety and depression levels.
Behaviorist and well-being instructor Robyne Hanley-Dafoe emphasized the culture of comparison fostered by social media, where users constantly seek external validation. This trend affects parents as well, as they may feel pressured to portray a perfect image online.
Hanley-Dafoe suggested that parents focus on creating a comforting atmosphere at home rather than obsessing over their online presence. Social worker and psychoanalyst Erica Komisar pointed out that societal pressure to prioritize career and material possessions over parenting has contributed to deteriorating mental health in both parents and children.
Komisar recommended that parents prioritize being present for their children and providing a solid foundation early on, enabling them to navigate challenges in adulthood. She stressed the importance of addressing the root causes of mental health issues rather than solely blaming social media. Can you please rewrite this sentence? Please rewrite this sentence.
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