Women's mental health
Mental illnesses affect women and men differently—some disorders are more common in women, and some express themselves with different symptoms. Scientists are only now beginning to tease apart the contributions of various biological and psychosocial factors to mental health and mental illness in both women and men.
The challenges
As women move through different stages in their lives, they enjoy and cherish happy times as well as face challenges. In fact, many of the things that bring them great joy and fulfillment, such as close relationships, a promotion, having a baby, or buying a home, also can cause stress on their mental health. At some point they also have to cope with traumatic life events such as dealing with a loved one's serious illness or death, a loss of a job, domestic violence or sexual assault. Changes in their physical health also affect their mental health. Changes in the body's hormone levels from pregnancy and childbirth, or from menopause, can cause depression, anxiety, irritability, and tearfulness. Depression also comes along with many illnesses such as cancer, heart disease, stroke, HIV, or autoimmune diseases.
We all feel worried, anxious or sad from time to time. But, a true mental health disorder makes it hard for a woman to function normally. Women suffer twice as often as men by most forms of depression and anxiety disorders, and nine times as often by eating disorders. While there are different mental health disorders, they all are real illnesses that can't be willed or wished away. You aren't at fault if you have one, and you should not suffer in silence. Be patient with yourself and reach out to others for help. These illnesses can be treated successfully so that you can get back to enjoying life - not only for yourself, but for your family too.
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