Dr Jamuna Rajeswaran and Ms Ann Sarah Paul
When women take care of their health,
they become their best friend
-Mary Angelou
Historically, women’s mental concerns have been ignored, stigmatized, or even punished, highlighting the need for targeted and gender-specific mental health care strategies. Studies have shown that women suffer disproportionately more than men from depression, anxiety, panic disorders, eating disorders and certain somatic complaints, all of which can significantly affect their daily lives. Additionally, women are more likely to develop mental health problems unique to them, such as premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) and perinatal mood disorders (PMDs), including postpartum depression, postpartum anxiety and postpartum psychosis.
World Health Organization (WHO, 2018) states that more than 450 million people globally have mental health disorders. Although men and women experience mental illness at similar rates, some mental disorders occur more frequently in women than men; approximately 1 in 5 women experiences a prevalent mental illness compared to 1 in 8 men. Thus, women, in particular, face unique mental health issues that necessitates specialized attention, understanding and treatment.
One of the primary reasons why women disproportionately experience higher rates of mental health problems is the stress associated with gender-based discrimination and inequality. Women often contend with challenges such as wage discrepancies, sexual harassment and gender biases in the workplace that can lead to stress, anxiety and depression. Women’s dis-empowerment also limits their decision-making and control over their lives, leading to powerlessness and low self-esteem. Racial and ethnic disparities also have significant impacts on the mental health of women, leading to ethnic and cultural minority women from lower-income backgrounds being at higher risk of developing depression and anxiety disorders.
Another factor is the women’s biological makeup that is intricately connected to their mental health outcomes. The fluctuation in hormones during pregnancy and after childbirth has a significant impact on women’ physical and emotional health, which can lead to serious mental health conditions such as PMDs. These conditions can make it challenging for new mothers to take care of their babies. Women’s reproductive health can also be a source of emotional distress, such as infertility, pregnancy complications and postpartum depression.
Furthermore, women are more likely to experience childhood abuse, domestic violence, intimate partner violence, sexual assault and trauma, which can have severe psychological effects. Childhood abuse, such as physical, sexual or emotional abuse, can lead to the onset of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), that can have long term consequences on the body and mind.
Additionally, traditional gender roles and stereotypes entail societal expectations that women carry the responsibilities of the home and childcare, which may affect their mental well-being in different ways even as they face caregiving duties for family members, including aging parents, spouses and children. Such responsibilities can cause caregiver burden and lead to caregiver fatigue, characterized by physical, emotional exhaustion and difficulty with the separation of work from personal life. Moreover, divorce and broken families can be an emotionally devastating and traumatic experience for women leading to experience of feelings of guilt, shame and low self-esteem after a divorce.
Despite the increased risk of mental health issues, women are less likely to seek treatment than men. Studies have shown that women are more likely to use self-help strategies, such as exercise or meditation, than seeking professional help. There are different explanations for this, including the stigma surrounding the mental health issues and belief that it is a weakness to seek mental health care services. Moreover, a lack of awareness of the existence of specific mental health concerns related to women can also contribute to the reluctance to access help.
Other barriers to accessing mental healthcare services include a lack of affordability to accessibility, competing priorities such as work and family obligations, or fear of negative consequences like fear of losing custody of their children or employment status. However, it is essential to note that untreated mental health conditions can become increasingly severe, affecting quality of life and leading to severe long-term health problems
Thus, efforts to address the mental health challenges faced by women require a comprehensive, multi-faceted approach.
The first step is education and awareness-raising campaigns. Women need to be educated about the signs and symptoms of mental illness and to encourage women to seek help when needed.
The second step is improvement in access to care. Women should have access to affordable and quality mental health services that are tailored specifically for their needs. They also need to know where to go for help and what resources are available.
Third, destigmatization of mental illness needs to occur. Society must challenge stereotypes and cultural norms that perpetuate toxic masculinity and gender roles that contribute to gender inequality. Women should not feel ashamed or embarrassed about seeking help for their mental health issues.
Fourth, psychotherapy to address trauma, stress and other underlying issues that contribute to their mental health concerns. Treatment like cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) and medication can also help women manage their condition.
Finally, support systems, be it peer-based or faith based, need to be strengthened. Women should have access to supportive friends and family members who can provide emotional support during difficult times.
• “Feminism isn’t about making women stronger. Women are already strong, it’s about changing the way the world perceives that strength.” ― G.D. Anderson
