Therapy Utah recognizes the essential role mental health plays in women’s lives. In this article, we explore the unique mental health challenges women face and present ideas on how to address them.
Our individual therapy services provide essential resources for women and other people who are seeking to improve their mental health in a safe and secure environment. If you want to work with someone who understands where you’re coming from and what you’re up against, get in touch with our team.
Table of Contents
- The Gender Gap in Mental Health
- Historical Perspective
- Current Challenges
- Impact of Societal Expectations
- Importance of Taking Women’s Mental Health Seriously
- Conclusion
- FAQ
The Gender Gap in Mental Health
Gender plays a significant role in the prevalence and manifestation of mental health issues. Here are some key differences in the mental health issues faced by women compared to men:
Women
- Depression and Anxiety: Women have higher reported rates of depression and anxiety disorders compared to men. In fact, according to the Mayo Clinic, women are twice as likely to be diagnosed with depression than men. The reasons for this gender disparity may include:
- Hormonal fluctuations
- Life transitions
- Sociocultural factors
- Eating Disorders: Disorders like anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa are more commonly diagnosed in women. Societal pressure regarding body image and beauty standards may contribute to the higher prevalence of these disorders among females.
- Trauma Exposure: Women are more likely to experience certain types of trauma, such as sexual assault and domestic violence. Consequently, they may have higher rates of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). To learn more, read our article on why we take a trauma-informed approach to mental health.
- Perinatal Mental Health: Women may experience mental health challenges related to hormonal fluctuations during various life stages, such as premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), perinatal depression, and postpartum depression.
- Stigma and Help-Seeking: Women are generally more apt to seek out help for mental health, which is where the discrepancies in diagnosis could be attributed when looking at women and men.
- Depression and Anxiety: Women have higher reported rates of depression and anxiety disorders compared to men. In fact, according to the Mayo Clinic, women are twice as likely to be diagnosed with depression than men. The reasons for this gender disparity may include:
- Hormonal fluctuations
- Life transitions
- Sociocultural factors
- Life transitions
- Eating Disorders: Disorders like anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa are more commonly diagnosed in women. Societal pressure regarding body image and beauty standards may contribute to the higher prevalence of these disorders among females.
- Trauma Exposure: Women are more likely to experience certain types of trauma, such as sexual assault and domestic violence. Consequently, they may have higher rates of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). To learn more, read our article on why we take a trauma-informed approach to mental health.
- Perinatal Mental Health: Women may experience mental health challenges related to hormonal fluctuations during various life stages, such as premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), perinatal depression, and postpartum depression.
- Stigma and Help-Seeking: Women are generally more apt to seek out help for mental health, which is where the discrepancies in diagnosis could be attributed when looking at women and men.
Men
- Externalizing Behaviors: Mental health challenges appear less prevalent in men, which could be attributed to the way men are socialized to externalize their emotions. This can manifest as substance abuse and aggression—and may be linked to societal expectations of traditional masculinity.
- Substance Abuse: Men have higher reported rates of substance abuse and dependence, which may be associated with societal expectations around coping mechanisms and risk-taking behaviors.
- Combat-Related PTSD: Men, particularly those in military or combat roles, may face higher rates of PTSD related to combat experiences.
- Stigma and Help-Seeking: Men may be less inclined to seek mental health help due to societal expectations around displaying vulnerability and the need for help.
Understanding these gender-specific patterns is essential for tailoring mental health interventions and support systems effectively. It’s important to note that individual experiences vary widely, which is why individual counseling options are one of the best ways to get personalized help.
Historical Perspective
Historically, the understanding and treatment of women’s mental health have been deeply influenced by societal norms, cultural expectations, and evolving medical perspectives—often to an inadequate or harmful extent.
Ancient History
Starting in ancient Greece, the term “hysteria” was used to explain various emotional and physical symptoms in women. This concept persisted for centuries and influenced the perception of women’s mental health as being inherently linked to their reproductive systems.
19th and 20th Centuries
In the 19th and early 20th centuries, women who deviated from societal norms, particularly those expressing non-conformity or challenging gender roles, were sometimes institutionalized for conditions like “hysteria,” limiting their autonomy and perpetuating stigma. Anything that fell from the norm such as nervousness or melancholia was labeled with “hysteria” as well.
Modern Era
Similar ideas that have been woven and perpetuated throughout many historic moments continue to appear within modern pop culture. For example, present-day songs like “Mad Woman,” by Taylor Swift explore the same trope of the “too emotional” woman that appears in literature like Charlotte Perkins Gilman’s 1892 short story “The Yellow Wallpaper” (which focuses on how postpartum depression is often misdiagnosed as general hysteria).
Current Challenges
While strides have been made in recognizing and addressing women’s mental health, several contemporary challenges persist, hindering optimal care and resulting in additional stigma.
Diagnosis
One notable concern is the underdiagnosis of mental health disorders in women. Societal expectations, gender norms, and the normalization of certain emotional struggles can contribute to the oversight of women’s mental health conditions. As a result, many women may grapple with undiagnosed disorders, impeding their access to crucial support and treatment.
Stigma
Moreover, stigma remains a formidable barrier to women seeking help for mental health concerns. Cultural and societal attitudes surrounding mental health often perpetuate a sense of shame or weakness for women—and for men, who are often underdiagnosed.
This stigma can discourage individuals from openly discussing their mental health struggles, leading to delayed intervention and exacerbation of conditions.
Research Biases
The lack of research specifically focused on women’s mental health is another pressing issue. Historically, clinical studies have often excluded or insufficiently represented women, leading to a limited understanding of how mental health manifests uniquely in this demographic.
A gender gap in research translates to a scarcity of tailored interventions and treatment approaches, hindering the development of targeted strategies to address women’s mental health challenges effectively.
By acknowledging the unique aspects of women’s mental health and working to dismantle barriers, we can pave the way for a more comprehensive and equitable mental health landscape for women.
Impact of Societal Expectations
Societal expectations and gender roles, specifically, play a substantial role in shaping the experiences of women and can significantly contribute to mental health issues while creating barriers to treatment.
Growing Up Female
From an early age, girls are often socialized to conform to specific ideals of femininity, emphasizing qualities such as nurturing, selflessness, and emotional resilience, as well as unmatched beauty standards.
While these traits are undoubtedly valuable, the rigid expectations associated with them can impose a considerable toll on women’s mental well-being.
Pressure to Conform
The pressure to fulfill societal norms and gender roles can foster internal conflicts, leading to anxiety, self-doubt, and even depression.
Women may find themselves grappling with the pursuit of perfection in multiple domains, whether it be in their professional careers, familial roles, or personal appearance. The fear of falling short of these often unattainable standards can generate trauma that significantly impacts mental health.
Fear of Judgment
Gendered expectations may hinder women from seeking and receiving appropriate mental health treatment. Women may fear judgment or feel compelled to prioritize the well-being of others over their own, delaying crucial interventions. Moreover, not wanting to be seen as “broken” or a “burden” can often hinder women from seeking help.
This can be particularly difficult for mature women—to learn more, read our article about how your mental health changes during menopause.
To address these challenges, it is essential to challenge and redefine societal expectations and gender roles. Promoting an environment that encourages open dialogue about mental health and recognizes the diversity of women’s experiences can foster a more supportive and understanding society.
The Importance of Taking Women’s Mental Health Seriously
Being proactive about your mental health as a woman improves your life in measurable ways, while ignoring it can have severe consequences. We’ve created a 5-step mental health maintenance plan for women that you can use to start moving forward, and therapy can take you even further.
Potential Consequences of Overlooking Women’s Mental Health:
- Diminished Well-Being: Neglecting women’s mental health can lead to a decline in overall well-being—which can exacerbate stress, anxiety, and depression, impacting both mental and physical health.
- Impaired Relationships: Untreated mental health issues may strain interpersonal relationships—including struggles with communication, emotional regulation, and coping mechanisms.
- Negative Impact on Physical Health: Mental health and physical health are intricately connected. Overlooking women’s mental health may contribute to the development or exacerbation of physical health problems, the same way chronic stress is linked to various health issues.
- Reduced Productivity and Professional Growth: Mental health challenges can affect women’s professional lives, leading to decreased productivity, absenteeism, and hindered career advancement. This, in turn, can contribute to gender-based workplace disparities.
- Increased Risk of Substance Abuse: The absence of proper mental health support may lead some women to turn to unhealthy coping mechanisms, such as substance abuse as a way to self-medicate and alleviate emotional distress.
- Negative Impact on Reproductive Health: Mental health issues can affect reproductive health, including fertility, pregnancy outcomes, and postpartum well-being.
- Higher Healthcare Costs: Individuals with untreated mental health conditions may require more medical interventions, which can contribute to increased healthcare costs.
- Generational Impact: The mental health of mothers can influence the well-being of their children. Overlooking women’s mental health may contribute to a cycle of intergenerational mental health challenges.
Benefits of Addressing Women’s Mental Health Properly:
- Improved Quality of Life: Properly addressing women’s mental health leads to improved overall quality of life including daily functioning, relationships, and the ability to navigate life’s challenges.
- Enhanced Productivity and Contribution: When women receive adequate mental health support, their productivity and contributions to both the workplace and society can flourish, leading to a more equitable and effective workforce.
- Stronger Interpersonal Relationships: Proper mental health care fosters healthier interpersonal relationships. Improved communication, emotional regulation, and coping skills contribute to more fulfilling and supportive connections with others.
- Positive Reproductive Outcomes: Adequate mental health support during reproductive stages can positively impact fertility, pregnancy outcomes, and postpartum well-being, ensuring healthier beginnings for both mothers and infants.
- Reduced Stigma: By addressing women’s mental health, society contributes to reducing the stigma surrounding mental health issues. This helps create an environment where seeking help is normalized and individuals are more likely to access timely and appropriate care.
- Economic Benefits: Proper mental health care for women can lead to economic benefits through a more engaged and productive workforce, reduced absenteeism, and decreased healthcare costs associated with untreated mental health conditions.
- Empowerment and Advocacy: Women who receive proper support are more likely to become advocates for mental health awareness, contributing to broader societal change.
- Interconnected Community Well-Being: A society that prioritizes women’s mental health fosters interconnected well-being. This positive impact ripples through various aspects of social and economic life.
Prioritizing Mental Health Resources for Women
Investing in women’s mental health not only benefits individuals but also contributes to the creation of a more resilient, equitable, and compassionate society. Recognizing and addressing mental health as a fundamental component of women’s overall health is essential for the well-being of communities as a whole.
If you’re looking for mental health support that aligns with your specific lived experiences, contact our team at Therapy Utah. From one-on-one counseling sessions to physiological evaluations, we are truly committed to helping anyone, of any age or gender, connect with the necessary support to improve daily life and relationships.
Frequently Asks Questions about Women’s Mental Health
Are mental health issues more prevalent in women?
According to the National Institutes of Health, although mental disorders affect men and women differently, women are more commonly diagnosed with depression, anxiety, and eating disorders. However, there are a range of factors that contribute to the discrepancy in the diagnoses (see section above).
How do hormonal changes affect mental health in women?
Hormonal changes in women can impact mental health by affecting and influencing overall mood, stress levels, and cognitive function. Fluctuations specifically in estrogen and progesterone during one’s menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and menopause, can contribute to mood swings, including feelings of depression, and heightened anxiety.
What are common signs of postpartum depression, and how is it treated?
Some of the most common signs of postpartum depression include the following:
- Changes in appetite and sleep
- Difficulty bonding with the baby
- Feelings of worthlessness
- Persistent sadness
- Ongoing fatigue
Treatment may include a combination of therapy, support from family and friends, and medication. We’ll create a personalized plan to help you recover if you come to us for help with postpartum depression.
How can societal expectations and gender roles impact women’s mental health?
Societal expectations and gender roles impact women’s mental health by creating enhanced pressure to conform from an early age. This pressure can lead to enhanced stress and self-esteem issues leading to depression.
What resources and support are available for women dealing with mental health issues?
Resources and support available for women dealing with mental health issues include:
- Individual therapy from Therapy Utah’s trained therapists
- Support groups
- Helplines such as:
