Women’s Issues
Have you lost much of the joy you once felt? Are you feeling like you have lost a large part of who you once were, getting swept up in taking care of the needs of other over yourself? Are you struggling in toxic relationship? Women may experience certain environmental, psychological and biological challenges related to gender that have a significant impact on their mental health and well-being. If not addressed properly, these challenges can turn into burdens that often lead to anxiety, depression and a lost sense of self.
Are Women More at Risk of Developing Mental Health Issues?
Daniel Freeman, Oxford University clinical psychologist analyzed 12 large-scale studies and concluded that women may be between 20% and 40% more likely to develop a mental illness than men. According to Freeman, “Women tend to view themselves more negatively than men and that is a vulnerability factor for many mental health problems.” Women are also socialized to put everyone else’s needs before others AND carry an unrealistic bundle of daily tasks that naturally wears out even the most resilient women.
Some common mental health issues experienced by women include:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Postpartum depression
- Postpartum psychosis
- Posttraumatic stress
- Eating disorders
- Borderline personality
- Mood-related challenges
- Low self-worth
- Self-harming behaviors
Why Seek Therapy for Women’s Issues?
Women’s issues can take a serious toll on a woman’s emotional, physical, and mental health. The effects can be mild to extreme, and in many cases, women are not able to cope with their issues on their own. There are several therapies, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), that can offer coping tools and new perspectives. Seeking therapy can be an empowering first step on the road back to YOU. And while each step you take may, at times, feel challenging, uncertain and scary, you will have someone right there with you listening and encouraging you to cross that finish line.
