May 28, 2025 — The mental and physical well-being of mothers in the United States has seen a significant decline in recent years, according to a large-scale study published Tuesday in JAMA Internal Medicine.
Researchers analyzed data from over 189,000 mothers between 2016 and 2023 and found that only 25.8% of mothers reported having “excellent” mental health in 2023 — down from 38.4% in 2016. At the same time, those rating their mental health as “fair” or “poor” rose from 5.5% to 8.5%, a 64% increase.
“This sharp decline began before the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Dr. Jamie Daw, the study’s lead author and assistant professor at Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health. “It points to wider societal and structural issues that have been building over time.”
Physical Health Also Declining
The study also reported a 15% drop in mothers who rated their physical health as “excellent,” with more women instead identifying their health as only “good.” The negative health impacts were more common among vulnerable mothers — particularly those who were younger, single, less educated, or raising multiracial children with public or no insurance coverage.
Mental Health Impacts on Families
Health experts warn that the mental health of mothers has far-reaching effects on families and children. Poor maternal mental health is linked to increased risks during childbirth, developmental challenges in early childhood, and long-term health issues in children.
“Maternal mental health directly affects child well-being,” said Dr. Jade Cobern, a pediatrician and fellow at the ABC News Medical Unit. “As a pediatrician, I always remind mothers that looking after their own health is an essential part of caring for their children.”
Fathers Also Affected — But Less So
While fathers also experienced mental health declines, mothers continue to be more deeply affected. In 2023, 1 in 12 mothers reported “fair” or “poor” mental health, compared to 1 in 22 fathers.
A Call for Broader Support
Traditionally, maternal mental health efforts have focused on pregnancy and postpartum care. However, researchers say the findings highlight a need to support mothers beyond the early parenting years.
“We need to expand our view of maternal mental health to include mothers raising children of all ages,” said Dr. Daw.
Surgeon General Declares Public Health Priority
In August 2024, the U.S. Surgeon General issued a national advisory on the growing pressures facing parents, urging policy changes, local programs, and increased access to mental health care for caregivers.
“There is no shame in asking for help,” said Dr. Cobern. “Protecting the mental health of parents must be a national priority if we want our families and communities to thrive.”
The research adds new urgency to the growing discussion around parental mental health amid a broader youth mental health crisis in the U.S.
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