Single Parent Mental Health — By the Numbers (U.S.)

Single parents—and especially single mothers—face unique challenges that can take a significant toll on mental health. Research and mental health resources highlight the emotional and psychological burden associated with raising children alone:

 

• Feelings of loneliness and decision-making strain are common among single parents due to the constant responsibility of making choices without a co-parent, which can be mentally taxing and contribute to emotional fatigue.
• Studies show that single parents tend to experience higher levels of psychological distress compared with partnered parents. One analysis found that 32% of single mothers reported moderate or severe psychological distress, compared with 19% of married mothers—a disparity linked to social and financial pressures.
• Single parent families often contend with financial strain, isolation, and limited support networks, all of which are known contributors to anxiety, stress, and depressive symptoms. Approximately 23% of U.S. children live with a single parent, indicating how widespread and impactful this family structure is.
• Research also shows that single parents, particularly single mothers, are more at risk for depressive symptoms and other mental health challenges than partnered parents, even when controlling for socioeconomic factors.

 

These statistics reflect broader social and emotional realities, not just numbers on a page. Behind each percentage are individuals balancing the full weight of caregiving, financial responsibility, and emotional labor—often without sufficient support.

 

Recognizing the mental health challenges single parents face is essential to understanding the lived experience behind The Weight We Carry and creating compassionate spaces where these stories can be seen, heard, and supported.

 

Sources

Mental Health America — Mental Health and the Single Parent
https://mhanational.org/resources/mental-health-and-the-single-parent/

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