Nearly 1 in 3 parents have considered suicide or self-harm—American parents are in crisis
Parenting has always been demanding, but the latest findings from the 2025 Cost of Care Report by Care.com reveal a crisis of unprecedented proportions. The report surveyed 3,000 U.S. parents of children 14 and under who currently pay for professional child care, providing a comprehensive look at the financial and emotional toll of caregiving.
Among the findings: 29% of parents have considered suicide or self-harm due to the overwhelming financial and emotional burdens of caregiving.
This statistic is a gut punch, laying bare the dire reality facing millions of parents who are stretched too thin, financially depleted, and emotionally burned out.
These numbers aren’t just about stress—they signal a national emergency in caregiving. If nearly one in three parents is struggling with thoughts of self-harm, we have a moral and societal obligation to act.
The mental load that’s pushing parents to the brink
The report underscores a stark truth: caregiving isn’t just about raising children—it’s a relentless, multifaceted job that encompasses elder care, household management, and professional obligations. According to the data, the average parent is responsible for five loved ones, balancing the needs of children, aging parents, and even pets while also juggling work and everyday life. This unrelenting pressure manifests in alarming ways:
90% of parents report losing sleep
80% say they’ve cried from stress (90% for moms)
75% feel a persistent sense of dread
71% report physical health issues caused by caregiving stress
73% experience relationship tension or marital strain
And then there’s the financial toll: 40% of household income goes to caregiving expenses, with the average family spending upwards of $14,400 annually on care across child care, elder care, and household help. Parents are making profound sacrifices to afford this, with one-third dipping into savings and 20% going into debt.
Related: The invisible labor that’s breaking moms: How unequal mental load impacts mental health
Why are parents struggling so much?
There’s no single reason behind this crisis—rather, a confluence of broken systems and impossible expectations have created a perfect storm of parental burnout. Here’s what’s driving it:
Care costs are unsustainable. Families are paying thousands of dollars a year just to cover basic caregiving needs, with child care alone consuming 22% of the average household budget. Without better policies, parents are left to fend for themselves in a market that is simply unaffordable.
Care solutions are unreliable. Finding and maintaining quality care is an ongoing struggle. 52% of parents say it takes them more than two months to find new care—and with frequent schedule and budget changes, parents are constantly searching for new options.
Personal sacrifice is the norm. The work of caregiving often comes at the expense of personal well-being. Parents report missing out on an average of 34 important life commitments per year—from birthdays and holidays to work obligations and weddings—because they simply can’t find or afford care.
What parents can do if they are struggling
If you or someone you love is struggling with mental health due to caregiving stress, know that you are not alone and help is available.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Call or text 988 for 24/7, free, and confidential support.
Postpartum Support International: Call 1-800-944-4773 or text “HELP” to 800-944 for maternal mental health support.
Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 for immediate crisis support from trained professionals.
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): Call 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) or text “NAMI” to 741741 for mental health resources and support.
Local Support Groups and Therapy: Many local communities offer parenting support groups, maternal mental health therapists, and crisis counseling services. Check with your primary care provider or mental health professionals for recommendations.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, reach out to a trusted friend, partner, or professional—you don’t have to navigate this alone.
What needs to change?
Parents are not okay, and they are demanding solutions. According to the report, the majority believe real change must come from both government and employers:
87% support expanded tax credits for care expenses
79% say employer-subsidized caregiving benefits are essential
Beyond policy and workplace changes, parents also see technology as a critical piece of the puzzle—calling for platforms that streamline caregiving logistics, connect them with trusted care providers, and help them manage the mental load of family life.
But perhaps most urgently, parents need a cultural shift that recognizes caregiving as essential work worthy of real support. They need relief from the crushing expectation that they must do it all—without adequate help, without financial support, and without rest.
Related: 7 simple things you can do right now if you’re feeling overwhelmed
We must act now
When parents suffer, children suffer. Families suffer. Communities suffer. We are watching an entire generation of caregivers buckle under the weight of impossible expectations, and we cannot afford to ignore their pain.
The solutions exist. Paid parental leave, affordable child care, flexible work policies, and employer-backed caregiving benefits are not radical ideas—they are necessary interventions that could prevent another parent from feeling like they have nowhere to turn.
It’s time for policymakers, businesses, and communities to step up. Because no parent should feel so hopeless that they consider ending their own life.
Parents deserve better. And we need to make that happen—now.
Related: It’s time for employers to stop penalizing parents who take paid family leave
