The critical importance of prioritizing parental mental health

May 01, 2025

In the U.S. there are approximately 63 million parents living with children under the age of 18 years, and this doesn’t include the millions of non-parent caregivers in the role of guardian of a child.¹ 

This significant population is facing unprecedented levels of stress. In 2023, 33% of parents reported high levels of stress in the past month, compared to 20% of other adults.¹ Moreover, a staggering 48% of parents said they felt completely overwhelmed by stress most days compared to 26% of other adults.¹

Despite their best efforts to create a happy and healthy environment, many parents struggle to prioritize their own well-being. 

With all the demands of parenting, it's easy for parents and guardians to forget to take care of one very important person: themselves. Chronic burnout, a state of emotional, mental, and physical exhaustion, is a common experience for many caregivers, including those in a parenting role.

Recognizing the signs of chronic burnout

Chronic burnout can feel different for different people, but some common signs include:

• Feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or stressed
• Difficulty sleeping or changes in appetite
• Loss of interest in activities that were once enjoyed
• Feeling irritable, short-tempered, or restless 
• Physical symptoms like headaches, body aches, or muscle tension
• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
• Feeling hopeless, helpless, or disconnected from others

Ignoring your mental well-being can have long-term consequences, not just for parents, but for their children as well.

The impact of parental mental health and well-being on children

Parents play a significant role in their child's emotional well-being and development. When parents are struggling with their mental well-being, it can affect their relationship with their child and overall well-being.¹ Children may:

• Experience increased stress and anxiety
• Have trouble regulating their emotions, leading to mood swings or behavioral issues
• Struggle with self-esteem and confidence
• Have difficulty forming healthy relationships with others

On the other hand, when parents prioritize their mental well-being, they can have a profoundly positive impact on their child's life.

Resources to help prioritize mental health and well-being

We understand the challenges that comes with parenting and we’re here to support those in that journey. That's why we offer a range of resources and tools to help members and everyone in the community take care of themselves and their families, including:

• Our Your Mental Health Matters webpage has articles on self-care and mental well-being, including one on parental mental health, that offers practical tips for prioritizing mental health and well-being.
• The community specialists at our Florida Blue Centers, who can answer questions, help find a doctor or resources in your community whether you are a Florida Blue member or not. Our centers also offer webinars and classes on topics like mental well-being, as well as caregiver support, at no extra cost. Visit your local center or call 1-877-352-5830, or learn more at FloridaBlue.com/Center.

Sources:
¹https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/parents-under-pressure.pdf