U.S. Surgeon General Declares Parental Stress an Urgent Public Health Issue
Parents Helping Parents Offers Critical Support
Watertown, MA – In a new advisory, U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy has called attention to the urgent need to address parental stress, highlighting the profound impact it has on the mental health and well-being of both parents and children. The advisory, titled "Parents Under Pressure," emphasizes the need for a cultural shift in how society supports parents, underscoring the critical role of support networks in mitigating parental stress. Parents Helping Parents (PHP) is dedicated to filling this gap by providing immediate, compassionate support to parents who often feel overwhelmed and isolated.
The Importance of Building Support Networks
Dr. Murthy’s advisory calls for systemic changes, but also stresses that parents cannot wait for institutions to act. He states, "And while we wait for those institutions to do their part—if they ever do—parents need to build and nurture their own support network of friends, neighbors, and relatives." For many, these support networks may be lacking, feel unsafe, or be clouded by shame and fear of judgment. This is where PHP’s services become indispensable.
“PHP provides parents with a safe and supportive environment to share their challenges without fear of judgment,” said Sarah Brinley, Executive Director of Parents Helping Parents. “Our programs, including the Parent Stress Line and mutual aid support groups, offer parents a lifeline—an immediate, confidential space to connect with others who understand their struggles.”
PHP’s Unique Role and Impact
For over forty years, Parents Helping Parents has been a cornerstone for parents in Massachusetts and beyond, offering free, volunteer-led support that is rooted in a mutual aid model. Unlike professional therapy or parenting classes, PHP’s groups empower parents to draw on the collective wisdom and experiences of their peers. This approach not only aligns with PHP’s grassroots origins but also encourages community involvement and advocacy for child and family support.
PHP’s commitment to creating safe spaces for parents has yielded significant positive outcomes. Recent surveys indicate that 94% of parents felt supported, 90% received valuable parenting guidance, and 93% felt connected to the community through PHP’s programs. These results demonstrate the effectiveness of PHP’s model in reducing parental stress, thereby improving mental health outcomes for both parents and children.
A Call to Action: Support and Expand Community-Based Programs
Dr. Murthy’s advisory emphasizes the need for broad-based action, including policy changes and enhanced community programs to support parents. However, while these systemic solutions develop, PHP is actively addressing the immediate needs of parents through its innovative programs.
“Supporting parents is not just about policy changes; it’s about community action and creating a culture that values and supports the role of parenting,” said Brinley. “PHP is proud to be a part of this critical mission, providing essential support to parents when they need it most.”
About Parents Helping Parents (PHP)
Parents Helping Parents (PHP) is a nonprofit organization that has been providing free, confidential, and immediate support services for parents and caregivers for over forty years. Through its Parent Stress Line and mutual aid support groups, PHP offers a unique, evidence-based approach to reducing parental stress and improving the mental health of both parents and children. PHP is the only program in Massachusetts that provides an immediately accessible behavioral health model specifically for parents.
For more information about PHP and its programs, visit parentshelpingparents.org.
