May is Mental Health Awareness month, a time to focus on our mental health and that of our loved ones. While some concerns are shared by women and men alike, others are experienced only by women. These include postpartum depression and hormonal changes during menopause.

Women and Mental Health: A Closer Look

Women are statistically more likely than men to experience certain mental health conditions, such as anxiety disorders, depression, and eating disorders. Research shows:

• Depression: According to Womenshealth.gov, Women are nearly twice as likely as men to experience major depressive disorder.
• Anxiety: According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA), women are twice as likely as men to be diagnosed with anxiety disorders.
• Eating Disorders: Approximately 90% of individuals with eating disorders, like anorexia nervosa and bulimia, are women, according to the National Eating Disorders Association.

These increased risks are influenced by biological, psychological, and social factors, with hormonal fluctuations being a key contributor.

Hormonal Fluctuations and Mental Health

Throughout a woman’s life, hormonal changes can significantly affect mental health. Fluctuations in hormone levels can lead to changes in mood, anxiety, and depression. This is because hormones play a crucial role in regulating neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine, which are responsible for mood regulation. Here are some key life events where depression may occur.
Puberty: Hormonal shifts during adolescence contribute to increased vulnerability to mood swings and the onset of anxiety or depression.

1. Pregnancy and Postpartum: The CDC found that 1 in 8 women experience postpartum depression after giving birth in 2018. Symptoms can include extreme sadness, exhaustion, and difficulty bonding with their baby.
2. Menopause: Many women experience mood swings, anxiety, or depression during perimenopause due to fluctuating estrogen levels.
3. PMDD (Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder): This form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is severe and affects approximately 1.6% of menstruating women and girls and includes irritability, intense mood swings, and depressive symptoms.

Conditions like PMDD highlight how hormonal changes can amplify mental health challenges, requiring specialized attention and care.

Gender Differences in Mental Health

While men also experience mental health challenges, women often present different symptoms and coping mechanisms. For example, women are more likely to be diagnosed with depression and anxiety disorders, while men are more likely to be diagnosed with substance use or antisocial personality disorders. Here are some ways depression can differ between women and men.

• Internalizing emotions (more common in women):
• Withdrawal from social activities or relationships
• Persistent feelings of worthlessness or guilt
• Chronic worry or rumination on negative thoughts
• Externalizing emotions (more common in men):
• Aggressive behaviors
• Risk-taking or impulsive actions
• Increased likelihood of turning to substance abuse
• Physical symptoms of depression (more common in women):
• Increased fatigue or exhaustion
• Physical aches and pains without a clear medical cause
• Avoidance behaviors (more common in men):
• Avoiding discussions about emotions or mental health struggles
• Spending excessive time on distractions such as work or hobbies

These differences suggest that treatment and intervention approaches must be gender-sensitive to address the unique ways that mental health issues manifest. Not only that, every woman is unique, so professionals must tailor their treatments to each individual.

Personalizing Mental Healthcare for Women

Effective mental healthcare for women should consider their unique needs, hormonal influences, and life experiences. Key components include the following.

1. Therapeutic Approaches:
   • Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps patients identify and manage negative thought patterns.
   • Interpersonal Therapy (IPT): Focuses on improving relationships and communication, particularly for women experiencing postpartum depression or anxiety.
   • Mindfulness-Based Therapy: Encourages present-moment awareness to reduce anxiety and improve emotional well-being, often beneficial for women navigating chronic stress or significant life transitions.
2. Medication:
   • Antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications can be tailored to address hormonal fluctuations and related symptoms.
3. Holistic Treatments:
   • Mindfulness Practices: Meditation, yoga, and mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) techniques can help women manage stress and improve emotional well-being.
   • Lifestyle Adjustments: Regular exercise, balanced nutrition, and adequate sleep are critical for handling mental health.
   • Support Groups: Connecting with other women who share similar experiences can foster a sense of community and reduce feelings of isolation.

Breaking Stigma and Increasing Access

Despite progress, stigma around women’s mental health remains a barrier. Shame and fear of judgment continue to discourage women from seeking help. This stigma is especially prevalent in more conservative cultures, where mental health issues are often considered a sign of weakness or something that should be hidden. Additionally, financial constraints may also impact access to mental health services for many women.

To break this stigma and increase access to care, it is important to spread awareness about mental health and its impact on women’s lives. Education initiatives can empower women with accurate information about common conditions such as depression and anxiety, as well as provide resources for seeking help. Furthermore, advocating for policies that prioritize mental healthcare for women and addressing systemic barriers such as gender discrimination and inequalities can improve accessibility.

Get the best care at Women’s Healthcare Associates

Open conversations about women’s mental health, combined with tailored care and holistic approaches, are essential to ensuring women receive the support they need to thrive. Recognizing the unique challenges women face can help break down barriers and create a more inclusive, informed approach to mental health.

At WHA, we understand that mental health is just as important as physical health. If you are concerned about your mental wellbeing or have questions about care, please reach out to us at (806) 355-6330 to schedule an appointment. If you’re experiencing a mental health crisis, call the national crisis hotline at 988 to connect with a counselor right away.