Caring for You • 2 minute read
Feeling overwhelmed? You’re not alone.
A recent study from the surgeon general says that today’s parents are “not ok.” In fact, nearly half are saying that most days, the stress of parenting is completely overwhelming.* This mental load can lead to anxiety, loneliness, depression and lack of sleep. Not to mention physical symptoms, such as high blood pressure and more.**
The importance of strengthening your mental health
We realize the thought of therapy can feel overwhelming in and of itself. But if you have kids, and teenagers especially, taking steps to manage your mental health can help them stay healthier too, body and mind.
Research shows that teens are significantly more likely to have mental health issues if their parents also struggle with their mental health.***
The good news is, you have resources from Cigna Healthcare® that can help, including virtual (telehealth) therapy and your employee assistance program (EAP) benefits.
There certainly are many positive aspects of parenting. Ideally these outweigh the negative ones in your life. But if you’re feeling the strain, it may be time to take action.
First, identify the source of your stress.
Here are a few common stressors affecting parents today. How many hit home for you?
- Feeling the need to be “perfect” all the time
- Juggling work and family responsibilities
- Shuttling around over-scheduled kids and having no time for yourself
- Being a caretaker for older parents
- Dealing with financial concerns
Next, take a few healthy actions.
• Accept that parenting isn’t perfect.
Give yourself permission to make mistakes. Acknowledge when you’re struggling. Openly communicating your feelings can have positive effects on the entire family.
• Balance your work and home life.
Learn to set clear boundaries between work and home. When you’re with your kids, be fully present. Plan fun activities together, whether it’s weekly game night or family movie nights. Work issues can often wait until tomorrow.
• Schedule some “me” time.
When you’re busy shuttling kids around between activities and/or caring for elderly parents, it leaves little time for yourself. Practicing a little self-care, such as socializing with friends and making time for exercise, is not only good for your emotional state but can also be good for your kids to see.
• Reach out for support.
If stress is significantly impacting your overall well-being, it may be time to connect with a mental health professional. Your Cigna Healthcare plan offers a number of convenient and trusted therapy options. Get started by visiting myCigna.com.
How stress affects our bodies
Learn how chronic stress can put your health at risk and why it’s so important to take control.
* U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Parents Under Pressure: The U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory on the Mental Health and Well-Being of Parents [Report]. Last reviewed February 19, 2025. https://www.hhs.gov/surgeongeneral/reports-and-publications/parents/index.html
** WebMD. “How Does Mental Health Affect Physical Health?” September 20, 2023. https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/how-does-mental-health-affect-physical-health
*** Ross EM. “The Critical Link Between Parent and Teen Mental Health.” Harvard Graduate School of Education. August 2, 2023. https://www.gse.harvard.edu/ideas/usable-knowledge/23/08/understanding-relationship-between-parent-and-teen-mental-health
