U.S. Surgeon General Issues Health Advisory On Parental Stress, Mental Health

United States Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy released a Surgeon General’s Advisory on the Mental Health and Well-Being of Parents, highlighting the urgent need to better support parents, caregivers and families.

Dr. Murthy’s report said parents seem more stressed than ever, trying to juggle family and work.

News On 6 talked to some Green Country parents about the new challenges and got advice from experts on how to relieve stress.

Parks like LaFortune in Tulsa were busy on Labor Day with families spending time together.

Parents News On 6 talked to said times like these help them destress and remember what is important.

Breonna Thomas-Jimenez teaches her three kids about hopscotch on Labor Day.

“Just so many things changing that were different from the way we grew up, me and my husband, the atmosphere, the environment, the schooling,” said Thomas-Jimenez.

She said juggling a career and children can be stressful.

“I need to provide more for my family and my children and making sure everything's being ran smoothly and making sure I'm there for everybody else except for myself,” said Thomas-Jimenez.

The U.S. Surgeon General said over the last decade, parents have had high levels of stress compared to other adults.

Faith Crittenden with Family & Children's Services in Tulsa said this highlights the challenges for parents, including what is going on at home and on the internet.

“We're such a comparative society,” said Crittenden. “We compare each other to what's going on social media.”

Crittenden said parents need to make their mental health a priority so they can be their best version of mom and dad and also rely on their support system.

“We've got to get more invested in our communities, so we can have a village mindset because it's going to take all of us to help rally around our parents and caregivers, from employers to schools to church,” said Crittenden.

Sabrina Hall said parenthood is challenging but rewarding.

She said she wants to take care of herself so she can be a good role model to her kids.

“That it's going to be OK to show some emotions, but teach them how to cope the right way, in a healthy way,” said Hall.

Family and Children's Services has online parenting classes you can take.

Adults and children can also call the COPES hotline 24/7 at 918-744-4800 to get mental health resources.