What is Women’s Mental Health?
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.
Mental health includes emotional, psychological, and social well-being. Learn more about caring for your mental health.
Women's mental health is a vital part of a woman's overall well-being, and it encompasses how women experience and manage their emotions, thoughts, and relationships. It's influenced by a variety of factors, including:
Biological factors
Hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy, menstruation, and menopause can impact mental health.
Social factors
Gender roles, societal expectations, poverty, sexual abuse, and intimate partner violence can all affect mental health.
Life experiences
Women play many roles in society, and their mental health can impact their ability to function in their families, workplaces, and communities.
Some mental health disorders that are more common in women include: Depression, Anxiety disorders, and Eating disorders.
Women may experience mental health challenges differently than men, and they may need tailored support and empowerment initiatives. For example, women may face barriers to seeking support if their symptoms are dismissed, stigmatized, or misdiagnosed.
Some mental disorders are more common in women than men, including depression, anxiety disorders, and eating disorders. There are also disorders unique to women. For example, some women experience symptoms of depression at times of hormone change, such as:
During or after pregnancy (perinatal depression).
Around the time of their period (premenstrual dysphoric disorder)
During the menopause transition (perimenopausal depression)
When it comes to other mental disorders, such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, research has not found sex differences in the rates at which they are diagnosed. But certain symptoms may be more common in women, and the course of illness can be affected by a person’s sex. Researchers are beginning to tease apart the various biological and psychosocial factors that may impact mental health.
What are the symptoms of mental disorders in women?
Some common symptoms of mental disorders include:
Persistent sadness or feelings of hopelessness
Noticeable changes in mood, energy, or appetite
Difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much
Appetite or weight changes
Misuse of alcohol, drugs, or both
Decreased energy or fatigue
Excessive fear or worry
Seeing or hearing things that are not there
Extremely high and low moods
Aches, headaches, or digestive problems without a clear cause
Anger or irritability
Social withdrawal
Thoughts or behaviors that interfere with work, family, or social life
Thoughts of death or suicide or suicide attempts
Mental disorders can be treated: A primary care provider is a good place to start if you’re looking for help. They can refer you to a qualified mental health professional, such as a psychologist, psychiatrist, or clinical social worker, who can help you figure out next steps. Find tips for talking with a health care provider about your mental health.
You can learn more about getting help on the NIMH website. You can also learn about finding support and locating mental health services in your area on the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) website.
If you or someone you know is struggling or having thoughts of suicide, call or text the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org . In life-threatening situations, call 911.
Reference National Institute of Mental Health https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/women-and-mental-health#:~:text=Some%20mental%20disorders%20are%20more,or%20after%20pregnancy%20(perinatal%20depression)
Each year, 1 in 5 women in the United States has a mental health problem such as depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or an eating disorder. Although women and men have similar rates of mental health problems, the types of mental conditions may differ.
Browse educational content specific or applicable to this patient population below:
Best Practice Highlights: Working with Women Patients
Learn more about working with Women patients, including demographics, significant history, best practices and disparities.
Mental Health Facts for Women (.pdf)
Research has identified disparities between women and men in regard to risk, prevalence, presentation, course, and treatment of mental disorders.
Mental Health Facts for Diverse Populations (.pdf)
Most racial/ethnic minority groups overall have similar—or in some cases, fewer—mental disorders than whites. However, the consequences of mental illness in minorities may be long lasting.
Intimate Partner Violence: A Guide for Psychiatrists Treating IPV Survivors
Although IPV affects individuals across race/ethnicity, gender, and socioeconomic background, minority women experience IPV at disproportionately high rates.
Stress & Trauma Toolkit for Treating Women in a Changing Political and Social Environment
Bias against women has been documented for centuries around the globe, including in American culture specifically. These inequities continue to have harmful effects on women's mental health.
Maternal Mental Health Toolkit
Resources and facts about mental health for individuals considering pregnancy, currently pregnant, or postpartum as well as practitioners.
Reference American Psychiatric Association https://www.psychiatry.org/psychiatrists/diversity/education/women-patients#:~:text=Each%20year%2C%201%20in%205,of%20mental%20conditions%20may%20differ.
Summary
What affects women’s mental health?
Women’s health issues
COVID-19 and women's mental health
What can I do if I’m worried about my mental health?
Social and economic factors can put women at greater risk of poor mental health than men. However, women generally find it easier to talk about their feelings and have stronger social networks, both of which can help protect their mental health.
This page is aimed at all women, but trans women may also find useful information from Mermaids and Gendered Intelligence.
What affects women’s mental health?
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. Women are more likely than men:
to be carers, which can lead to stress, anxiety and isolation. Carers UK has information on looking after your mental health
to live in poverty which, along with concerns about personal safety and working mainly in the home, can lead to social isolation
to experience physical and sexual abuse, which can have a long-term impact on their mental health. Contact Refuge if you’re experiencing domestic violence
to experience sexual violence, which can cause PTSD
When women find it hard to talk about difficult feelings, they tend to internalise them. This can lead to depression, eating disorders and self-harm. Men are more likely to act out their feelings through disruptive or anti-social behaviour.
On the other hand, some factors protect women’s mental health: they tend to have better social networks than men, find it easier to confide in their friends and are more likely to have been treated for a mental health problem.
Women’s health issues
Life events and hormonal changes can affect women’s mental health.
Perinatal depression
Having a baby is a life-changing event. For some women, it can trigger postnatal depression (after birth) and/or antenatal depression (during pregnancy). The term ‘perinatal depression’ covers both.
Perinatal depression isn’t a sign of weakness; it doesn’t mean you’re a bad parent. There is help available: talking therapy, medication or specialist services depending on your symptoms and what’s right for you.
PANDAS offers information and support to people experiencing perinatal mental health problems.
Menopause
While every woman’s experience of the menopause is different, many women find they have symptoms in addition to their periods stopping. These can include changes to your mental health, such as mood swings, anxiety and feeling low. Treatment includes hormone replacement therapy (HRT) or talking therapy. Speak to your GP about what’s best for you.
COVID-19 and women's mental health
We must acknowledge the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on women's mental health.
Women make up the majority of frontline health and care workers, are more likely to do unpaid work, are overrepresented in low-paid and insecure work and are more likely to have pre-existing difficulties with debt and bills. They are also more likely to shoulder a higher proportion of caring responsibilities.
All of the women in these positions were at greater risk of developing a mental health problem before the pandemic and will be at increased risk as the economic ramifications of the pandemic are realised. It is also the case that women are much more likely to be affected by domestic violence and abuse, the risk of incidence of which increased during the lockdown.
The Women’s Mental Health Taskforce recommended that women be explicitly considered in all future mental health policies.
What can I do if I’m worried about my mental health?
If you want some tips on staying well, start by looking at our 10 practical ways to look after your mental health. Making simple changes such as talking about your feelings, keeping active and eating well can help you feel better.
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.
Some organizations offer practical and emotional advice and support. Find out more on our ‘getting help’ page.
If you feel like ending your life or are unable to keep yourself safe, please call 999 or go to A&E and ask for the contact of the nearest crisis resolution team. These are teams of mental health care professionals who work with people in severe distress.
Reference Mental Health Foundation https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/explore-mental-health/a-z-topics/women-and-mental-health