A new national study reveals a troubling decline in the mental health of mothers in the United States, with the steepest burdens falling on those already facing social and economic disadvantage. Between 2016 and 2023, the percentage of mothers reporting excellent mental health dropped from 38.4% to 25.8%. At the same time, reports of fair or poor mental health rose from 5.5% to 8.5%.
The study, which analyzed data from nearly 200,000 mothers, found that mental health declines occurred across all socioeconomic groups. However, mothers who were single, younger, less educated, or had publicly insured or uninsured children were significantly more likely to report poor mental health. “These potential consequences of poor maternal mental health fall most heavily on disadvantaged and marginalized groups,” the authors wrote.
While physical health also declined, the changes were smaller and largely reflected a shift from excellent to good health. Racial disparities were more pronounced in physical health, with all minoritized groups reporting worse outcomes than non-Hispanic white mothers.
The findings align with broader trends in rising depression, anxiety, and mental health-related mortality among reproductive-aged women. Maternal mental health conditions are now the leading cause of pregnancy-related death in the U.S., accounting for nearly a quarter of all such deaths.
Researchers call for urgent investment in prevention, diagnosis, and treatment, especially for mothers facing structural barriers to care.
See: “Trends and Disparities in Maternal Self-Reported Mental and Physical Health” (May 27, 2025)