This content mentions self-harm, sexual assault, eating disorders, pregnancy or miscarriages, trauma, depression, anxiety and loneliness or isolation, which some people may find triggering.
In line with National Women’s Health Week which starts each year on Mother’s Day. We want to focus on the awareness & knowledge surrounding women’s mental health & wellbeing, so that the gap between physical and mental illnesses become more even and that discrimination becomes a thing of the past. There is a lot of focus surrounding all sorts of different stigmas to mental health but what about women’s health. What affects you and what can we do to help ourselves.
Around one in five women have a common mental health problem, such as depression and anxiety. While there can be many reasons why these develop, some risk factors affect many women. From major life transitions such as pregnancy, motherhood and menopause can create physical and emotional stresses for women. Negative life experiences – infertility and perinatal loss, poverty, discrimination, violence, unemployment and isolation also impact on women’s mental health and wellbeing. It’s important to remember everyone is different and life events and hormonal changes can affect women’s lives in different ways.
The British Medical Association states that for several decades it has been apparent that there are differences between women and men in how they express mental distress. This is seen in the prevalence of mental illness (particularly common mental disorder such as anxiety and depression, self-harm, substance misuse and suicide); pathways into treatment and support and in therapeutic preferences. There are well established links between the risks of mental illness and the social realities of women’s lives. These include women’s relatively lower incomes and access to household resources and responsibility for childcare and other caring responsibilities, as well as sexual abuse and domestic
violence. Gender neutral approaches to service provision fail to recognise the specific needs of women.
When women find it hard to talk about difficult feelings, they tend to internalise them. Men are more likely to act out their feelings through disruptive or anti-social behaviour.
Recognising the signs that you or someone you know may be experiencing a mental health issue is the first step toward getting support. Some of these signs could be:
• Anger, irritability, or aggressiveness
• Changes in mood, energy level, or appetite
• Problems sleeping or sleeping too much
• Difficulty concentrating, feeling restless, or on edge
• Increased worry or feeling stressed
• Misuse of alcohol and/or drugs
• Sadness or hopelessness
• Suicidal thoughts
• Feeling flat or having trouble feeling positive emotions
• Engaging in high-risk activities
• Physical symptoms like aches, headaches, digestive problems without a clear cause
• Obsessive thinking or compulsive behaviour
• Thoughts or behaviours that interfere with work, family, or social life
If you’re concerned you’re developing a mental health problem, talk to your GP. It can be daunting, but most people find that speaking to their GP and getting help and support can make a big difference to their lives.
For everyday support remember to prioritise your mental health. Research shows that positive mental health is associated with improved overall health and well-being and practice healthy behaviours.
Daily decisions influence your overall health.
Care first can support you with free and confidential support, counselling and information and our counselling helpline is available 24/7. A caller to the service can remain completely anonymous. We just need to know who you work for so that we can identify exactly what support options are available to you.
Join us for a webinar to discuss women’s health and wellbeing.
If you would like to view the Webinar this is being delivered live on Friday 10th March at 12pm, join us on the day or register now by clicking on the link below to ensure your place:
https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/5844341236939783257
If you are unable to join the webinar live, a recording of the session can be accessed using the same link above after the webinar has taken place.