Though mental health affects everyone, it is especially important for us to talk about the common challenges faced by women. This conversation should not only seek to destigmatize and normalize mental health struggles, but must also take into account the unique experiences of women, as well as the plethora of resources available to help them. In this article, we will explore the wide range of obstacles that women face in regards to their mental health, and how best to address them.
1. What Are the Most Common Mental Health Challenges Faced by Women?
Depression and anxiety are the two most common mental health challenges faced by women in today’s world. According to the World Health Organisation, depression is the leading cause of disability in women of all ages, accounting for over 1 in 6 women. Anxiety disorders are also common, affecting approximately 15% of women at some point during their lives.
Depression
- Low mood, feeling low, or changes in mood;
- Loss of interest in activities or feeling no enjoyment;
- Feeling hopeless, helpless, or that the situation is never going to improve;
- Changes in sleeping patterns, including difficulty sleeping or oversleeping;
- Lack of energy or feeling fatigued;
- Changes in appetite, including eating less, or overeating;
- Having difficulty concentrating, or making decisions.
Anxiety
- Anxiety can manifest itself in many different ways, both physically and mentally.
- Physically, women may experience palpitations, chest tightness, a tightness in the throat, dizziness, shaking, sweating, and an increased heart rate.
- Mentally, women may have intrusive and unwanted thoughts, feel panicky or scared, or be unable to stop worrying.
- Other common signs of anxiety include fear of public speaking, fear of social situations, fear of being judged, and an overwhelming sense of doom.
- Women may also experience panic attacks, which are sudden periods of intense fear, accompanied by physical symptoms such as shaking, sweating, shortness of breath, and a sense of impending doom.
Women are also at increased risk of developing certain mental health disorders, particularly during times of hormonal change, such as the transition to menopause. These conditions can include premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), postpartum depression, postpartum anxiety, and perinatal depression.
It is important that women are aware of their mental health, and take action to address any issues that they are experiencing. Seeking professional help, such as counselling or therapy, can be an important step in managing mental health issues and avoiding long-term mental health problems.
2. Why Are Women at a Unique Disadvantage for Mental Health Problems?
Women are particularly vulnerable to mental health issues. Though the exact reason is mysterious, there are several factors that contribute to this disparity. Here are some of the factors that put women at a unique disadvantage for mental health problems.
- Biological Issues: Women may be more prone to depression because of hormonal and biological factors. Highly-fluctuating levels of estrogen and progesterone during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and menopause can all have an effect on mental health. Additionally, physical health issues that are unique to women, such as endometriosis, can cause or contribute to mental health problems.
- Health Care: Women face unique barriers to receiving adequate health care. Canadian women are more likely to report problems accessing health care than men, and they are also more likely to face financial barriers. This can prevent women from receiving necessary care for physical and mental health problems.
- Society: Women have long been discriminated against and treated unequally in society. This often leads to feelings of low self-worth, which can then lead to mental health problems. Social expectations and gender roles may also discourage women from seeking help for mental health issues.
- Trauma: Women are more likely to experience trauma, such as childhood abuse, domestic violence, and sexual assault. This can leave lasting scars on mental health, and can lead to severe psychological problems.
These are just a few of the factors that put women at a unique disadvantage for mental health problems. It is important to acknowledge this disparity, and to ensure that women are receiving the mental health care that they need. Only then can we hope to address this troubling issue.
3. Strategies for Addressing Mental Health Challenges in Women
Women experience unique mental health challenges that can be due to a variety of factors. It is important to recognize the different mental health risks facing women and create strategies and interventions to target them. Here are 3 strategies to consider when addressing mental health challenges in women:
- Create Awareness and Promote Education)One strategy for addressing mental health challenges in women is to start by creating awareness and promoting education. Educating people about the different mental health risks facing women can help to create more understanding and empathy within society. Knowing what to watch out for and how to identify mental health issues in women can be the first step in providing them with the help and resources they need.
- Encourage Early Detection and TreatmentEarly detection and treatment of mental health challenges in women can often improve outcomes. Encouraging women to talk about their mental health symptoms and seek help earlier on can help to reduce delays in diagnosis or treatment. Learning how to recognize symptoms and seek help can be a very effective tool in promoting better mental health.
- Provide Targeted Support ServicesTargeted support services to address mental health challenges in women can be extremely helpful. This can include specialized counseling services, support groups, or other resources tailored to address the specific mental health challenge in question. These services can provide women with the support and guidance they need to help manage their mental health.
Creating a supportive environment where women feel they can talk openly and honestly about their mental health is also vital. By providing a judgement-free and safe space to talk about mental health challenges, women can gain the necessary emotional and psychological support. It is important to remember each woman’s mental health journey is different and that no two women will experience the same mental health issue in the same way.
Finally, investing in mental health research and initiatives that are specifically tailored to meet the needs of women is paramount. Identifying key trends in mental health symptoms or challenges that are specific to women and targeting resources and treatment towards these can be extremely powerful.
By implementing these strategies, we can start to address mental health challenges in women in a meaningful and effective way.
4. Finding Support to Manage Mental Health Challenges in Women
Connecting with Other Women
Mental health challenges in women are unique compared to men, and it can be difficult to find strategies to stay positive. That’s why a key part of managing mental health issues lies in connecting with other women who may be facing similar issues. This connection can provide the comfort of companionship, as well as support in the form of advice from those who understand the experience.
Close Friends and Family
Another important source of support for those struggling with mental health is close friends and family. Their acceptance and encouragement can have an immense positive effect, and can provide a more personal level of assistance than might be obtained elsewhere. Even so, it is important to remember that friends and family don’t always understand the experience, so it’s important to find a safe platform to share vulnerabilities and doubts.
Online Support Groups
Online support groups for mental health can be an excellent source of support, as they can provide a platform for people to share stories, experiences, and coping strategies. Many of these support groups are dedicated to helping women to cope with mental health challenges, and they are especially helpful for those who feel uncomfortable seeking support from friends or family.
Therapy
Therapy can be an incredibly valuable source of support for women dealing with mental health challenges. It allows professional help to be tailored to the individual, and can provide insight, validation, and understanding. It is also an invaluable resource for those already in close relationships, as it can provide a safe platform to address issues that would be difficult to share with those already affected by the mental health issues.
Helpful Resources
There are also many helpful resources online that can be accessed for additional support with mental health. These include:
- Educational websites with tips and strategies for managing mental health
- Downloadable worksheets for tracking moods and thoughts
- Apps with guided meditation and relaxation exercises
- Articles and podcasts discussing mental health experiences
These can provide additional resources to help manage and cope with mental health challenges.
Seeking Professional Help
It is also important for women to seek professional help if they feel overwhelmed. Professional mental health services can provide diagnosis and treatment, as well as additional help and support. This may include medication, therapy, and other forms of treatment. It is also important to remember that if a woman does not feel comfortable seeking help from a professional, then there are many other options available.
Don’t be afraid to seek help for mental health issues. Though addressing the challenges faced by women with mental health is by no means easy, no one should be alone or afraid to express their feelings. By sharing tips, experiences and stories with each other, we can raise awareness, eliminate stigma and take the necessary steps to get the help that we need.
