Children actually keep us sane

We always say that our children “drive us crazy,” but results of a survey suggest that the opposite might actually be true.

The survey looked at adults with and without children. It found more than 33 400 US adults identified lower levels of anxiety, depression, or other measures of psychological distress among parents than among childless people.

It is not completely clear cut. There were still an estimated 5.7 million parents who experienced serious levels distress and depression.

These parenting and non-parenting adults were asked how frequently during the previous year they felt nervous, hopeless, worthless, restless or fidgety; sadness or depression to the point of not being able to cheer up; or had the sense that everything was an effort.

The results of the survey are published in the American Journal of Public Health.

The survey also found that regardless of parenting status, the odds of experiencing severe psychological distress were higher among women, younger adults, and those of low income or receiving Medicaid.

Among parenting adults, those younger, of lower income, divorced or separated, or receiving Medicaid were the most likely to report serious psychological distress.

It is recommended that public health agencies and professionals screen, educate, and provide early intervention and treatment referrals for adults at highest risk for severe psychological distress.