The annual observance of World Mental Health Day on October 10th offers a global forum for highlighting the significance of mental health awareness. This is the perfect opportunity to highlight the particular mental health issues that women frequently deal with. Hormonal imbalances, stress management, and lifestyle decisions are some of the variables that have an impact on women’s mental health. Promoting improved results for women’s mental health requires an understanding of these complexity.
- Puberty and adolescence, hormonal imbalances, and the mental health of women
Girls go through considerable hormonal changes during puberty, including an increase in oestrogen and progesterone. These hormonal changes can make people more susceptible to mental health conditions, including sadness and anxiety, as well as mood swings, impatience, and other negative emotions.
2. Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) and menstruation
The menstrual cycle causes emotional and physical issues for many women. Due to hormonal changes, Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) can lead to mood disturbances such mood swings, impatience, and anxiety.
3. Postpartum Mental Health and Pregnancy:
During pregnancy and childbirth, significant hormonal changes occur. While progesterone and oestrogen levels rise during pregnancy, they frequently fall dramatically after delivery. These changes can have an impact on a woman’s mental health by contributing to illnesses like postpartum depression and anxiety.
4. Menopause:
The end of a woman’s reproductive years is signalled by menopause, which causes hormonal changes, notably a decrease in oestrogen. These modifications may impair mental health by causing mood swings, heat flashes, and sleep difficulties.
Women’s Mental Health and Stress Management: Multiple Roles and Responsibilities
Women frequently perform various jobs, including those of carers, housewives, and professionals. Chronic stress brought on by juggling these obligations can harm mental health.
- The expectations of society
Women may experience greater stress due to societal norms and gender responsibilities. The pressure to fit into these positions can cause anxiety and feelings of inadequacy.
2. Violence Against Women:
Gender-based violence, which is unfortunately more common in women, can have serious and protracted psychological repercussions, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and despair.
- Diet and nutrition’s effects on women’s mental health
A nutritious, well-balanced diet is crucial for both physical and mental health. Fatigue and mood disorders can both be impacted by nutritional deficits.
Physical Exercise:
Regular exercise has been demonstrated to elevate mood, lessen stress, and improve general mental health. Women’s mental health can benefit greatly from physical activity.
Insomnia hygiene
Sleep is essential for maintaining mental wellness. Women frequently experience particular difficulties sleeping, such as insomnia after menopause or sleep disturbances during pregnancy.
Using drugs:
Addiction to alcohol and other drugs, as well as substance misuse, can have a negative impact on women’s mental health. These problems frequently call for specialised care and assistance.
Coping techniques and assistance:
- Seeking expert assistance:
Women must always seek out expert mental health care when necessary. To address hormone imbalances, stress, and issues related to lifestyle, therapists, counsellors, and psychiatrists can offer specialised management techniques.
- Social Assistance:
The development of solid social support networks can have a positive impact on the mental health of women. Feelings of loneliness and stress can be lessened by talking about problems and asking friends and family for emotional support.
- Exercise:
It’s crucial to practice self-care. Women should prioritise self-compassion, participate in relaxation techniques, and create boundaries to manage stress efficiently.
It is critical to acknowledge the particular difficulties that women’s mental health presents on World Mental Health Day. Women’s mental health is greatly influenced by hormonal imbalances, stress management, and lifestyle decisions. The first step in fostering improved mental health outcomes for women is to understand these issues.