By Geradine Ohonba
Health Editor/Columnist
Across the globe, parents are facing an escalating mental health crisis. As the demands of modern parenting intensify, more mothers and fathers are reporting symptoms of anxiety, depression, burnout, and emotional exhaustion. The question is no longer if parents are struggling—but why.
The Pressure of Modern Parenting
Parenting today looks vastly different than it did a generation ago. With the rise of social media, parents are under constant scrutiny—comparing themselves to curated images of “perfect” families, while silently battling feelings of inadequacy and failure. The pressure to be not just good, but exceptional at parenting can lead to chronic stress and emotional fatigue.
Moreover, parents are expected to juggle multiple roles—caregiver, breadwinner, teacher, therapist, and more—often without adequate support. The pursuit of work-life balance, in a world where both seem increasingly demanding, is taking a toll on mental well-being.
Economic Strain and Insecurity
Financial stress is another significant factor. The rising cost of living, education, and childcare is pushing many families to their financial limits. Parents who live paycheck to paycheck often face chronic worry about meeting basic needs, which can easily spiral into anxiety or depression.
Single parents and low-income families are particularly vulnerable. Without access to affordable healthcare, mental health services, or reliable childcare, the daily pressures become overwhelming.
The Impact of the Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic dealt a heavy blow to parental mental health. Lockdowns, school closures, job losses, and the shift to remote learning forced parents to absorb unprecedented responsibilities, often with no external help. Many parents report that they have not recovered from the emotional and psychological strain that began during the pandemic.
The long-term effects are still unfolding, with increased reports of burnout and relationship strain among couples raising children.
Lack of Support Systems
One of the most overlooked causes of mental health challenges among parents is isolation. In previous generations, extended families and tight-knit communities played a central role in child-rearing. Today, many parents find themselves alone, especially in urban areas, with limited social or emotional support.
Mental health struggles are often compounded by stigma. Parents may feel ashamed to admit they are not coping well, for fear of judgment or being labeled as “bad” parents. This silence prevents many from seeking the help they need.
What Needs to Change?
Experts agree that addressing the mental health crisis among parents requires systemic change. This includes:
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Expanding access to affordable mental health care
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Creating family-friendly workplace policies
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Providing paid parental leave and flexible work hours
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Encouraging open conversations around parental struggles
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Investing in community and childcare support systems
In the meantime, it is crucial for parents to prioritize self-care, seek help when needed, and recognize that struggling does not make them inadequate—it makes them human.
Parenting is one of life’s most rewarding experiences, but it’s also one of the most demanding. Recognizing and addressing the root causes of the mental health crisis among parents is not just a personal matter—it’s a public health issue. Until society begins to better support those raising the next generation, the burden will continue to grow heavier on the shoulders of those who need help the most.
