Ten Recognizable Indicators of Persistent Negativity in Your Circle: Strategies for Identification and Management
Women face unique mental health challenges due to a combination of biological, psychological, and social factors. These challenges, which include higher rates of exposure to abuse and trauma, hormonal fluctuations during menopause and perinatal periods, and gender-specific social pressures, require a specialist, trauma-informed approach.
Research shows that women are statistically more likely to be diagnosed with anxiety and depression than men, with young women particularly affected. For instance, 26% of young women aged 16–24 report common mental health problems weekly, compared to 17% of adults overall. A significant factor is the high prevalence of abuse among women with mental health problems—53% have experienced physical or sexual violence, which contributes to PTSD, increased suicide, and self-harm risks.
Hormonal transitions such as menopause and perimenopause bring specific mental health risks. Fluctuating hormones during this time can cause mood disorders and suicidal thoughts, which are often misunderstood or misdiagnosed. Proper hormone treatments like hormone replacement therapy (HRT), along with supportive healthcare interactions, can alleviate these symptoms, but delays in care and stigma remain major issues.
Perinatal women (those around childbirth) also face rising rates of suicidality and mental health disorders. Depression, anxiety, bipolar, and psychotic disorders affect this group, with suicidality increasing notably from 2006 to 2017. Maternal mental health disorders affect about 1 in 5 women, yet nearly 75% go undiagnosed and untreated. Factors like intimate partner violence, socioeconomic stress, and racial disparities further complicate care and outcomes.
To address these challenges effectively, it is crucial to:
- Increase awareness and open conversation about women’s mental health, particularly on issues like abuse, menopause, and perinatal mental health.
- Provide trauma-informed, gender-sensitive mental health services that recognize the link between abuse and mental health disorders.
- Improve timely access to hormone and psychiatric treatments tailored to women’s unique biological phases.
- Screen and support higher-risk groups such as pregnant/postpartum women and women with histories of abuse or trauma.
- Tackle social determinants of health, including intimate partner violence, childcare stress, and socioeconomic disparities, especially for marginalized groups.
Self-care practices such as exercise, meditation, and therapy can help women manage their mental health. Having supportive social networks and relationships is essential for promoting better mental health in women. They give women a sense of belonging, validation, and emotional support.
Advocating for gender equality and policies that support women's mental health is critical to promoting better mental health in women. Policies that support women's mental health, such as access to affordable mental health services, can help women overcome unique mental health challenges. Access to mental health care and resources is important for addressing mental health challenges in both communities.
It is essential for women who experience sexual violence to seek professional help when needed. Women who experience sexual violence are at a higher risk of developing mental health disorders such as PTSD and bipolar disorder.
Men have higher rates of suicide and engage in riskier behaviours. However, it is crucial to remember that everyone, regardless of gender, can struggle with mental health issues. Seeking help and support is a sign of strength, not weakness.
By adopting these approaches, we can reduce the burden of mental health problems uniquely experienced by women and improve outcomes across the lifespan.
- Encouraging mindfulness and meditation as part of self-care routines can be beneficial for addressing mental health challenges women face throughout their careers and work-life balance.
- Integrating mental health education and support services into health-and-wellness programs, particularly for at-risk women such as those experiencing perinatal mental health disorders, can lead to better mental health outcomes.
- In light of current research, supporting policies that prioritize mental health care, especially for women dealing with unique biologically-induced mental health challenges like those during menopause, can provide essential care and alleviate symptoms.
- To ensure equal mental health representation in science and mental health discipline, fostering a diverse workforce that considers and caters to women-specific mental health needs is necessary for future breakthroughs in the field.
