Women’s Mental Health

What is mental health?

Did you know that 1 in 4 adults experience a mental health condition in any given year. "Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity" (WHO). Mental health is a state of well-being where one can acknowledge their own abilities, be able to cope with daily life stresses, can make a contribution to their community and work effectively. Mental health is crucial to allow us to think, interact with one another, earn a living and to be able to enjoy life. Many social, psychological, and biological factors govern the level of mental health of a person. For example, violence and socio-economic pressures are seen as risks to mental health. 

Poor mental health is also linked to depression, stressful work conditions, gender discrimination, social exclusion, unhealthy lifestyle, physical ill-health and human rights violations. There are certain psychological and personality factors that make people more susceptible to mental health problems. Biological risks also include genetic factors. We all go through periods of highs and lows, and mental health affects everyone as it impacts our emotions and thoughts. When we are faced with a low mental state that becomes consistently apparent in our day-to-day lives, it can have a negative impact on our health leading to potential harm.

What are the symptoms and types of mental illness?

Whilst there is no one cause for mental health, there are signs that can be common with mental health problems such as stress, anxiety, low mood, feeling lonely, grief, anger, hallucinating and hearing voices, depression, fear and panic, and signs of an anxiety disorder.There is an umbrella of mental health disorders and here are just a few: bipolar disorder, body dysmorphic disorder, depression, eating disorders, hoarding, loneliness, hypomania, obsessive compulsive disorder, phobias, psychosis and self-harm. They can lead to serious health risks if not detected and treated early. 

How is mental illness affecting women?

According to the mental health foundation, around 1 in 5 women have a common mental health problem such as depression, anxiety, or self-harm. Many risk factors contribute to women suffering from mental health issues, which may include living in poverty, being a carer, physical and sexual abuse, and sexual violence, which can all potentially lead to social isolation and post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This in turn can have long-term consequences on one’s mental health.

Additionally, women also go through many life changing events where their hormones are affected such as menopause, giving birth which can result in perinatal depression causing mood swings, feeling helpless, anxiety and low mood. The only upside to women experiencing mental health problems is that they may find it easier to talk about their feelings and have strong social networks, in comparison to men. 

According to the Women’s Health Strategy Call for Evidence report, women spend around over a quarter of their lives in ill health or disability compared to one fifth of men. Women may face serious taboos when wanting to open up about their health, making it difficult to speak to health professionals, friends or family members. Stigma and feeling ashamed should not stand as barriers that stop women from seeking support. A Public Health England analysis of primary care records discovered that people with severe mental illness had a higher prevalence of obesity, asthma, diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), chronic heart disease, stroke and heart failure, than the general population.

During times of natural disasters e.g., the pandemic, there is a higher likelihood for  mental issues to surface. Some research has shown that Covid-19 has affected women more than men, with expectant mothers' struggling with depression, anxiety and psychological related stress from Covid being worse than ever. Women, young people, and those with preschool aged children, are experiencing the greatest increase in mental distress pre and post pandemic. There is also a high prevalence of common mental disorder and self-harm in girls and women aged 16–24 years.

Mental health is a top priority for the government, with eating disorders and self-harm being common amongst young girls and women, this deterioration in women’s mental health may lead to poor outcomes of support services. It is part of the NHS’s long term plan to improve women’s mental health. There is not one specific reason as to why women may be suffering from mental health disorders, however social and economic factors can put women at greater risk of poor mental health than men. Research findings have shown that the prevalence in mental health issues amongst women is increasing, and there appears to be a gender health gap calling for the government to focus more on women’s health.

What support is readily available?

- In the first instance, see a GP or registered health professional such as a dietitian, nutritionist or psychologist.

- The waiting time for the NHS psychological therapy IAPT can vary from 4-86 days in parts of England. Each clinical commissioning group determines its own budget, the government and NHS England do not determine the costs for mental health services.

- The NHS talking therapies, also known as Improving Access to Psychological therapies (IAPT) services, can be accessed via your GP or self-referral.

- Every Mind Matters offers expert advice to improve your wellbeing Every Mind Matters - NHS (www.nhs.uk)

- Talk therapy such as CBT can help with some mental health problems.

- Beat Eating Disorders Charity Helpline: 0808 801 0677

- Mind provide advice and support for those experiencing some form of mental distress, the helpline is: 03001233393

Lujayn Al-AtawnehComment