Women's mental health concerns

Happy International Women’s Day! In honor of this worldwide celebration of women, let’s take a look at mental health issues that are of special concern to females.

Mood disorders

According to Columbia University Medical Center, women are twice as likely as men to have a mood disorder. In addition, the WHO reports that depressive disorders account for 42% of neuropsychiatric disability among women, compared to 29% of men. Mood disorders can cause serious impairment in all areas of functioning. Report any serious or unusual changes in mood to your doctor so you can be screened for mood disorders.

Female biology

Women have a host of medical concerns that don’t affect men. The menstrual cycle – both monthly and across the lifetime – can cause significant symptoms. Premenstrual dysphoric disorder became an official diagnosis is the latest psychiatric manual and menopause can trigger new mental health issues in previously healthy women. Fertility (or lack thereof) also has huge implications for mental health and there are mental health services that exist specifically to deal with these concerns.

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Postpartum conditions

The physical changes associated with pregnancy and childbirth have psychological implications as well. The most common way this is seen is with postpartum depression. For up to a year following child birth, the mother can enter a depressive state much like what is seen in major depressive disorder. This might include a focus on the child, such as obsessing over her newborn’s health or even thoughts of hurting the baby. Less common is postpartum psychosis, wherein women experience delusions and hallucinations that affect their behavior. This may require hospitalization. A final condition associated with child birth is birth-related post traumatic stress disorder. This comes from a dangerous birth experience that threatened death or serious harm for mother and/or child. For more about PTSD symptoms, read this.

Violence against women

Women are more susceptible to physical and sexual violence than men. The WHO estimates that violence against women has a lifetime prevalence rate ranging from 16-50%. They have also found that at least one in five women experience rape or attempted rape in her lifetime. Other estimates are higher. Women generally have a physical disadvantage compared to men and can also be bound by the gender roles of their societies. This leads women to be more vulnerable to dating violence, sexual assault and domestic violence. 

The unique mental health concerns facing women mean that we should pay careful attention to these areas of life. All of these issues can be addressed with appropriate intervention, but it requires getting help. Talk to your doctor or mental health professional if you believe you are struggling with any of these concerns. In the U.S., you can also call any of the following hotlines:

Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance: 1-800-826-3632

Postpartum Support International: 1-800-994-4773

National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: 1-802-296-6300

National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233

National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-4673

National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-8255