Research Confirms What We Know: Mothers Need Support—And We're Here to Provide It

The recent study published in JAMA Internal Medicine and featured in The New York Times isn't telling us anything new—it's validating what maternal mental health professionals have been seeing in our practices for years. What's encouraging is that this research provides the data we need to continue building the support systems mothers deserve.

The Data Reflects Our Daily Reality

The study, led by Dr. Jamie Daw at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health, analyzed data from 198,417 mothers between 2016 and 2023. The findings mirror exactly what we observe in clinical practice:

• Only 25.8% of mothers reported "excellent" mental health in 2023, down from 38.4% in 2016

• The percentage of mothers rating their mental health as fair or poor rose by 3.5 percentage points over the 8 year-period, representing a 63.6 percent increase from the baseline prevalence of 5.5 percent in 2016

• One in 20 mothers reported her mental health was poor or fair in 2016; by 2023 the ratio was about one in 12

Rather than being discouraged by these numbers, we see them as confirmation that the work we're doing is essential—and that mothers are ready to seek help when it's available.

Expanding Our Understanding of Maternal Mental Health

One of the most important aspects of this research is how it broadens our perspective. "We need to reframe maternal mental health to not only be focused on pregnancy and postpartum. American mothers who are parenting children of all ages are reporting worse mental health," said Dr. Daw.

This aligns perfectly with what we've been advocating for in Utah and across the country—that maternal mental health support needs to extend far beyond the traditional six-week postpartum window. Mothers need ongoing support as they navigate the various stages of parenting.

Understanding the Broader Context

Dr. Tamar Gur from Ohio State University noted that the findings help reassure mothers she treats: "I now have something I can point to when I'm seeing a patient and say, 'You're not alone in this. This is happening nationally, and it's a real problem.'"

This validation is powerful. When mothers understand that their struggles are part of a broader pattern—not personal failings—it opens the door to healing and growth.

The study found that declines in maternal mental health originated prior to the COVID-19 pandemic and were observed in nearly every socioeconomic subgroup examined. As Dr. Daw explained, "This is about broader trends that extend beyond the pandemic," while acknowledging the pandemic had given declines in mental health a "boost."

Researchers pointed to factors including "the high costs of housing, increasing child care costs and soaring food prices — which can each put financial and emotional pressure on families" alongside longstanding concerns about the disproportionate burden women carry at home and the lack of national paid parental leave.

Understanding these systemic factors helps us provide more comprehensive, compassionate care that addresses the whole picture of a mother's experience.

Evidence-Based Care That Works

Here in Utah and across the country, we're seeing an encouraging trend: more practitioners and organizations recognizing this need and stepping up to provide specialized maternal mental health services. The U.S. surgeon general issued an advisory on parental pressures in August 2024, calling for policy changes, community programs and individual action to preserve the mental health of caregivers, naming it a public health priority.

The research reinforces what we know about effective treatment. Poor mental health in mothers is linked to problems during childbirth, early childhood development, and long-term physical and mental health of children, which means that supporting mothers creates positive ripple effects throughout families.

We have evidence-based interventions that work. From support groups to individualized therapy, help can be available to mothers who are struggling.

"As a society and medical community, we have to continue to protect and prioritize mental health resources for all parents so families can thrive," said Dr. Jade Cobern, a board-certified physician in pediatrics and preventive medicine.

This study gives us valuable data to continue advocating for the resources mothers need. More importantly, it validates the experiences of the mothers we serve and helps normalize seeking support.

Our Commitment to Mothers

If you're a mother reading this and recognizing yourself in these statistics, help is available. The increasing struggles faced by mothers are not indicative of individual failings but rather highlight deficiencies in available support systems.

We're committed to providing that support. Whether through individual therapy, support groups, or community programs, there are professionals who understand the unique challenges of motherhood and are equipped to help you navigate them.

"There is no shame in speaking up about mental health. It's a sign of great strength to seek help when needed," as Dr. Cobern noted.

The research confirms what we've always known: mothers deserve support, and when they receive it, both they and their families thrive. We're here to provide that support, one mother at a time.

If you are looking for additional support and would like to set up a consultation, visit our Contact page. 

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For more information about the study, read the full New York Times coverage: "Study Finds a Steep Drop in Mothers' Mental Health"