Supporting Women’s Mental Health

Topics that affect the lives of women are making headlines recently, giving us the perfect opportunity to discuss the mental health disparities that women face. Studies have found that women now form the highest-risk group for developing a mental health disorder or crisis—with three-fourths of female mental health issues occurring before the age of 24. The frequency of mental health events is now nearly 70% greater in women than in men. According to weareagenda.com, over 25% of women have self-harmed, which is about twice as much as men. As recently as last year, the CDC reported a 50% increase in the number of visits to an emergency room for suicide attempts in young girls, while boys of the same age demographic raised only 3.7% in the same time period. The UK also reported a rise in mental health crises among women, particularly young women—with girls making up 72% of their suicide counseling patients.

These incredibly high numbers give us pause to explore the physiological and environmental factors that affect a woman's mental health.
‍

Factors that contribute to women’s mental health
‍

• Hormone changes - The hormone surges of a normal menstrual cycle cause a wide range of emotional fluctuations, including mood swings, sleep disturbances, and irritability. Hormone imbalances, conditions like dysmenorrhea, PMD, and the physiological changes of menopause can worsen symptoms and trigger mental health conditions like depression. Women who experience early or surgically induced menopause and those who are struggling with infertility, are at an even higher risk of hormone-related depression. Postpartum depression is common, especially among new mothers as they adjust to the stress of parenting.
• Eating disorders & body dysmorphia - Due to the societal acceptance of underweight celebrities and being held to unrealistic body standards, women are nearly 10 times more likely than men to develop an eating disorder. Some women turn to restrictive dieting as a remedy for low self-esteem because of a perceived connection between small bodies and happiness or fulfillment. Malnourishment as a result of restrictive dieting also has a negative impact on hormones and regulatory chemicals of the brain.
• Social and career inequality - With the cost of living ever-increasing, both partners in a heterosexual relationship often must contribute to the home finances. Yet there continues to be a discernible gap between women and their male counterparts in the workplace in terms of both pay and opportunities. This is not only dehumanizing for women in the workplace, but also a large factor in many single-parent households being unable to rise out of poverty. Women in marginalized populations struggle with mental health at a much higher rate, largely due to socioeconomic differences.
• Sexual assault and domestic violence - According to national statistics, 1 in 5 women is a victim of sexual assault, with 80% of sexually assaulted women experiencing an attempted or completed rape before the age of 25. 1 in 3 women experience a violent act against them by an intimate partner. The long-term effects of sexual assault and domestic violence on a woman’s mental health include depression, anxiety, PTSD, and panic disorder.
• Balancing a career with motherhood - With the costs of living continuing to inflate across the country, many women are faced with little choice between raising a family or working. Mothers often combine the unpaid work demands of caring for a family with the underpaid demands of a job, which can lead to depression, anxiety, and sleep disorders.
  ‍

Professional Counseling for Women in California & Nevada

Whether it is for yourself or a loved one you are hoping to support, it is important to be aware of the many potential contributing factors to women’s mental health. If you feel like you are struggling with poor mental health, some great ways you can start to support yourself at home are to learn steps to manage your stress levels and understand the importance of sleep for good mental and physical health. Reach out for the support of friends and family, and consider getting professional help with therapy. If you are struggling with a unique situation like infertility or an eating disorder, it helps to know that you are not alone. There are positive spaces with in-person and virtual support groups.
‍
If you or someone you know is in the Nevada or California areas are struggling with a decline in mental health, contact Medens Health via our contact page or call us (833) 624-5400 to set up an appointment.

‍

^Disclaimer:

^{‍The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Reliance on any information provided in this blog is solely at your own risk. Always seek the advice of your physician or a qualified mental health provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical or mental health. If you don’t currently have a therapist, we can connect you with one who is qualified to give you safe, professional, and ethical advice regarding your mental health.}

^{If you or someone you are responsible for is experiencing a medical emergency, is considering harming themselves or others, or is otherwise in imminent danger, you should call 9-1-1 and/or take them to the nearest emergency room.}