If you’re a mom, you probably get the feeling that something isn’t right. It’s a vibe we all know too well. However, it wasn’t until recently that hard numbers came into play, shedding light on how many moms are actually struggling with both their physical and mental health.
A study recently published in JAMA Internal Medicine took a close look at data collected from 2016 to 2023, drawing from nearly 200,000 mothers of children ranging from infants to 17 years old. These mothers rated their mental and physical health on a scale from “excellent” to “poor.” What researchers found was alarming: there has been a noticeable decline in moms’ health over these years. Now, you might wonder what could have led to such a significant drop during this time. It’s not exactly a mystery when you consider the changes in our world.
The study revealed that the percentage of moms reporting “excellent” physical health decreased from 28.0% to 23.9%. It’s not all doom and gloom, though; while the number of moms rating their health as “good” went up from 24.3% to 28.1%, it’s worth noting that this could likely be from those who once claimed to have “excellent” health. As for moms who reported “fair” or “poor” health, that percentage remained relatively stable, which isn’t particularly comforting either.
When it comes to mental health, the decline was even steeper. Moms reporting “excellent” mental health dropped from 38.4% to 25.8%. However, “good” mental health did see an increase, from 18.8% to 26.1%. Yet, the rise in moms experiencing “fair” or “poor” mental health shouldn’t go unnoticed either, as that increased from 5.5% to 8.5%.
When the researchers adjusted for factors like income and education, the results were especially concerning for single moms, those with less schooling, and moms whose children were uninsured or depending on public health programs. In these groups, there was a drop of 4.2 percentage points in excellent physical health, a staggering decrease of 12.4 percentage points in excellent mental health, and a rise of 3.5 points in fair/poor mental health.
These findings align with broader studies that indicate rising levels of anxiety and depression among women of similar ages. The authors even noted that maternal mortality might serve as a warning signal for women’s health more generally. This isn’t just about numbers; it’s about reality—real moms facing real struggles.
While the authors of the study call for more research to pinpoint the specific reasons behind this decline, they suggest various possibilities: limited access to mental health care, social isolation, increasing substance use disorders, and greater stressors like rising living costs, income inequality, racism, gun violence, and climate change. It’s hard to ignore the weight of these issues piling up on the daily lives of moms.
Interestingly, when considering the younger generation, particularly Gen Z, there are discussions around how their declining mental health could be linked to their unique childhood experiences, such as growing up in the age of social media where the pressure to present a perfect life can be overwhelming. Increased awareness and acceptance of mental health concerns might bring some comfort, but they also highlight the complex pressures young mothers face today.
Despite the insights offered by this study, it’s essential to acknowledge its limitations. Self-reporting can only tell us so much, and the use of Likert scales might not capture the full picture of what these moms are experiencing. There may also be significant socioeconomic factors missing from the data that could provide a more comprehensive understanding of these trends. Still, having these numbers is important as researchers and advocates work to tackle the persistent challenges facing mothers everywhere.
Navigating motherhood is already a tough journey—one filled with unending responsibilities, sleepless nights, and the emotional roller coaster of raising kids. Knowing that many of us are in similar boats can be comforting, even if the reality is difficult. It’s crucial to support one another and advocate for the resources and changes needed to help moms reclaim their health and happiness.
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