Mental health concerns among younger adult populations and children’s mental health have been in the spotlight in recent years. But even though the mental health of our youth is a huge priority, the mental health crisis among parents is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore.

As highlighted by U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy’s recent advisory, the mental health and well-being of parents have reached an alarming tipping point. Parents and caregivers face unique stressors, from concerns about their children’s health to navigating technology and managing household financial struggles. These stressors take a toll on parental mental health, disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations — particularly parents on Medicaid.

Now, more than ever, we must prioritize the mental health needs of parents for the well-being of their children and the health of our society. This is why Elite DNA offers a variety of behavioral and mental health therapy options for parents — in addition to accepting Medicaid.

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health challenges, reach out to us or find an Elite DNA location near you and get in touch with our treatment experts.

Parental Mental Health: Understanding the Key Challenges

The Surgeon General’s advisory brings to light some troubling statistics: one-third of parents report high levels of stress compared to just 20% of other adults. For parents who are already managing the demands of work, family life, and finances, this stress can easily lead to burnout, anxiety, depression, and more complex forms of mental illness. Prolonged stress negatively impacts not just the parents but also children, leading to higher risks of childhood mental health challenges like anxiety and depression. At the end of the day, the mental health of parents is directly tied to the future health of their children. This makes parental health a pressing public health issue that cannot be overlooked.

One significant aspect of this crisis is how parental mental health challenges disproportionately affect those already at a disadvantage. Marginalized communities, particularly low-income parents and those on Medicaid, are especially vulnerable. These individuals often face compounding stressors such as family violence, racism, economic instability, and a lack of access to adequate mental health services.

Parental Stress: A Nationwide Issue

Parents today navigate a world filled with uncertainties and pressures. Between managing the digital lives of their children, worrying about their safety, and meeting day-to-day economic demands, stress for parents has reached unprecedented levels. According to Dr. Murthy’s advisory, these pressures are not only mounting but also exacerbated by cultural and societal shifts — like the increased use of social media, which can further strain family dynamics.

This growing epidemic of parental stress is not just an individual concern. It impacts children, families, and communities. Children raised by parents with untreated, poor mental health conditions are more likely to experience challenges themselves — including early-onset anxiety and depression. By addressing the mental health needs of parents, we can create healthier families and build stronger communities.

Medicaid and Mental Health: A System Under Strain

If you’re a parent on Medicaid, accessing mental health care remains one of the most significant challenges you can face. Medicaid provides coverage to millions of parents and caregivers, yet it is still not enough to meet the demand for mental health services. While Medicaid remains one of the largest payers of mental health services in the United States, the scarcity of mental health providers who accept Medicaid, coupled with long waiting periods for appointments, often puts parents on the back burner when it comes to receiving care.

In addition, many Medicaid recipients struggle with other stressors that exacerbate mental health issues. Parents on Medicaid often have many competing and more immediate needs, such as housing, food security, childcare, and possibly juggling two or more jobs at a time to make ends meet. All of this often makes accessing mental health care a lower priority. However, we at Elite DNA feel that mental health care is of the highest priority, and it should always be made as accessible and convenient as possible.

Furthermore, the lack of mental health providers willing to accept Medicaid means that even when parents recognize the need for support, finding timely and affordable care can feel out of reach.

Addressing the Medicaid Gap

The Surgeon General’s advisory calls for a fundamental cultural and policy shift in how we value and support parents’ mental health. And this is especially crucial for those on Medicaid. While Medicaid is a lifeline for millions, its limitations in mental health care coverage create barriers to accessing treatment.

Innovative solutions are required to bridge the gap. Thankfully, programs that incorporate doulas and community health workers into mental health services are promising models. These professionals can serve as trusted advocates within their communities — and help provide mental health screenings, support, and referrals to parents struggling with their mental health. Expanding these services, along with improving Medicaid reimbursement rates for mental health providers, is a crucial step toward building a more equitable system of care.

Common Mental Health Conditions Affecting Parents

Parenting is often described as one of life’s most rewarding experiences. For those of us who have children, we know firsthand how amazing our lives are just because of the joy our kids bring us. But parenting also comes with immense challenges that can significantly impact mental health. Many parents face overwhelming pressures — juggling work, caregiving, finances, and maintaining relationships — that often lead to emotional and psychological strain.

While some degree of stress is expected, unchecked mental health conditions can quietly emerge, affecting not only the parent but also the entire family dynamic. From depression and codependency to anxiety to trauma, these mental health struggles are more common than many realize — yet they often remain unspoken due to societal expectations and stigma.

At the end of the day, it’s crucial to shed light on the following conditions, understand their unique manifestations in parents, and offer practical solutions for managing them.

Depression and Anxiety

Depression and anxiety are two of the most prevalent mental health challenges facing parents. Parental burnout, financial stress, and balancing work and family responsibilities can intensify feelings of hopelessness, sadness, or constant worry. Parents with these conditions are more likely to face relationship difficulties and struggle with everyday parenting tasks. It’s crucial to provide accessible resources and support systems to help them cope.

At Elite DNA, we offer expert assistance if you’re struggling with anxiety or depression, and we’re just a phone call away.

Codependence

Many parents struggle with codependent relationships, where they may prioritize their children’s needs at the expense of their own well-being. While caring for a child is essential, codependency can lead to unhealthy emotional dependencies and further mental health challenges for the parent. This dynamic often prevents parents from seeking the mental health support they need, fearing that doing so may harm their role as caregivers.

Relationship & Intimacy Issues

It should go without saying that the pressures of parenting can take a toll on intimate relationships. Parents often struggle to maintain healthy communication or prioritize their relationships amidst the demands of raising children and other competing initiatives. But relationship struggles can lead to a ripple effect — one that affects family dynamics and contributes to mental health challenges.

Seeking therapy for relationship and intimacy issues can be an effective way for parents to strengthen their bonds and mental well-being. At Elite DNA, we offer professional couples counseling and family therapy for those dealing with common to complex stressors.

Self-Esteem

Parents, especially mothers, may face issues with self-esteem as they navigate societal expectations and the pressures of parenting. Feelings of inadequacy or guilt are common, particularly when parents compare themselves to others or feel they are not meeting the “ideal” parenting standard. Therapy and support groups focused on building self-esteem can empower parents to feel confident and capable.

Trauma

Parents who have experienced trauma, whether from childhood or adulthood, may struggle with the lasting effects while raising their children. Additionally, unresolved trauma can manifest in anxiety, anger, or detachment from loved ones. All of this can make it difficult to form secure, healthy family connections.

Trauma-informed therapy offers essential tools for healing and breaking cycles of pain. At Elite DNA, we offer several expert approaches to coping with trauma and PTSD.

Seeking Help for Parental Mental Health: Where to Start

For parents struggling with mental health issues, recognizing the need for support is the first step. Many resources are available for those seeking help, even for those on Medicaid:

  • Therapy and Counseling: Seeking help from licensed therapists, especially those specializing in trauma-informed care or family therapy at Elite DNA, can be transformative for both parents and their children.
  • Telehealth Services: Virtual therapy, like we offer as a treatment option at Elite DNA, has become increasingly accessible and is often covered by Medicaid which offers greater flexibility for parents who may struggle to find in-person care.
  • Support Groups: Local and online support groups for parents can provide a safe space to share experiences and seek guidance.
  • Community Health Centers: Many centers offer mental health services that accept Medicaid, providing a starting point for parents in need of support.

Building a Culture of Parental Mental Health Support at Elite DNA

At Elite DNA, we understand parents’ mental health is foundational to the well-being of our children and society. We also believe that Dr. Murthy’s advisory underscores the importance of addressing parental mental health through systemic change, expanded mental health resources, and brings us a renewed focus on the Medicaid population.

By promoting a culture that prioritizes taking care of one’s own mental health and supports mental health for parents, and with the expert behavioral and mental health services we offer here at Elite DNA, we can help create stronger families and healthier communities for generations to come.

Need expert help? Find an Elite DNA location near you to get in touch with our treatment experts.

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