Introduction
The women's mental health is influenced by many biological
and social factors. Studies of the clinical characteristics of mental disorders
among women reveal that they are more frequently troubled with mental illness
compared to men. The vulnerability can be ascribed to physiological changes,
and to social problems such as poverty, sexual abuse, stress, and intimate
partner violence. Pregnancy and postpartum are given special attention in
mental health, for the consequences of untreated maternal depression upon a
mother and her child. Reproductive ill health-for example, infertility, female
sterilization, and problems in the reproductive tract-are also linked with poor
mental health among women. Therefore, it is urgent that a gender-sensitive
approach be put into mental health programs in order to address the particular
problems that women are experiencing today. Additionally, other methods for
service delivery could be explored, through mobile phone technology, for
example, since this would further enhance the access and efficiency of
delivering mental health services among women.
How Does Mental Health Differ Between Genders?
It is widely recognized that the understanding of mental health and mental illness is deeply influenced by sex and gender differences. To clarify, "sex" refers to the biological differences between males and females, while "gender" refers to the social roles and behaviors considered typical for men and women in society.
The emergence of mental health issues is, in general, a result of genetic contribution combined with social experiences. Men and women certainly have highly disparate lives and life experiences that can influence the expression of mental health disorders.
Research has documented striking gender differences in the
prevalence of common mental health disorders, such as eating disorders,
post-traumatic stress disorder, major depression, and anxiety.
By finding the roots of these differences in mental health
between genders, we will make diagnostics more appropriate and treatments more
efficient, tailored for many more people.
Why is women’s mental health important?
Some of the other psychopathology problems that are more
common to women compared to men are depression, anxiety disorders, and eating
disorders. The disorders that happen only to women also exist. Some female
people suffer from depressive symptoms during periods of hormonal changes like:
- Perinatal depression, or depression during or after pregnancy
- Right before their period, in the premenstrual period of time.
- Depression during menopausal transition perimenopausal depression
In contrast, research has not documented overall sex
differences in other mental disorder diagnoses, such as schizophrenia and
bipolar disorder. However, some symptoms may be more common in women, and the
course of these illnesses may be shaped by gender. Besides, there is growing
interest in the contributions of diverse biological and psychosocial factors
that contribute to mental health outcomes.
What are symptoms of mental disorders in women?
Some symptoms that are prevalent in a number of these
disorders are marked by the following: Unending grief or despondency Noticeable
swings in mood, energy, or appetite. Trouble sleeping or the use of too much
sleep Changes in appetite or weight Abuse of alcohol, drugs, or both Energy
deficits or continual exhaustion Being unduly anxious or excessively stressed
Various delusions such as perceiving things that are not there or hearing
voices Uncontrolled highs and lows Nonspecific aches, pains, headaches, indigestion
Increased anger or irritability Isolation from others
- Ideas or actions interfere with job, family or personal life
- Suicidal thoughts, attempts or thoughts of death
- Psychic conditions can be treated.
If you wonder where
counseling is found a primary care provider is a good first step. They will
push you to a capable mental health professional psychologist,
psychiatrist, or clinical social worker - who will assist you in the learning
of the proper next steps. Moreover, you can also get some pieces of advice in
talking with a health care provider about your mental health.
What affects women’s mental health?
One out of every five women is disturbed by the common
mental health problems such as depression or anxiety. A wide range of factors
are contributing to the development of these conditions, and some of them are
more specific to women. More often, women are:
- Becoming caregivers, the pressure of which is taking a psychological toll on them stress, anxiety, and feelings of isolation can be experienced by them. Carers in the UK are providing psychological resources too.
- Living in poverty, which, along with issues such as security of personal life and primarily doing remote work, can cause social isolation, respectively.
- Coming across physical and sexual abuse, which can systematically ruin mental health.
- Consider, for example, talking to Refuge if you are a victim of domestic violence.
- Facing sexual offenses, which cause PTSD.
When women find it hard to communicate difficult emotions,
they often resort to internalizing them, which can lead to depression, eating
disorders, or self-harming. On the other hand, men are more prone to the
practice of expressing their feelings by way of disruptive or antisocial
behavior.On the other hand, some of the scenarios help in providing security to
women's mental health. On average, women are more likely than men to have
advantages such as stronger social networks, finding it easier to confide in
friends, and being more likely to seek treatment for mental health.
What can I do if I’m worried about my mental health?
Are you feeling under the weather? Not only you will feel
better, but you will also save some money if you move around more. Little
things like sharing your emotions with someone, exercising more, and eating
conscientiously might make your day a tad brighter.
If you feel that you have developed an emotional health
issue seeing a doctor is a good idea. It may sound a little bit scary but for
many people seeking help from their doctor and getting engaged in the required
programs brought about meaningful change to their life.
Mental support groups are also there for those who are
seeking real help
If you have suicidal thoughts or you cannot keep yourself
out of harm, contact 999 or go to the nearest A&E for the crisis response
team's contact information. These are mental health care professionals who
provide treatment
Why should women participate in clinical trials?
The major purpose of a clinical trial is to test the
efficiency and safety of the novel treatment or test, whether they are working
properly, or not. Although the patients who are in the experiments may
experience various personal benefits from doing the study, it should be the
main priority to remember that the primary aim of the study is to gain new
scientific knowledge that can contribute to the future of mankind.
The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) is the lead
organization that conducts research on women's health, which is also performed
at centers all over the country as well. Today's options for treatment are a
lot more effective compared to the past; thanks to the clinical trials,
researchers could provide new drugs by testing them on humans. If you are open
to participating in clinical trials, your healthcare provider can give you
feedback on the pros and cons and also share with you what you should expect.
Currently, NIMH researchers have focused on the causes,
treatments, and predictors of mood disorders explicitly related to women, such
as the following:
- Postpartum depression
- Premenstrual dysphoric disorder
- Perimenopausal depression
Moreover, NIMH also AVAs the study of other mental disorders
prevalent in women. Participation in studies occurs at the NIH Clinical Center,
in Bethesda, Maryland, and usually involves regular visits. If you are local
then you can seek our clinical trials database which will direct you to the
nearest available studies.
Sex and gender are very important in the health of the
people. One can be a part of this research study and thus with his or her help,
scientists can develop many more ideas for health care to be more regular. NIMH
has the objective to your acquaintance with the information relating your
consent or refusal to take part in the study.
Conclusion
Women's mental health has to be placed within an interaction
between physical, reproductive, and biological factors and social, political,
and economic issues. The multitude of roles played by women in childbearing,
rearing, maintaining household chores, caring for sickly relatives, and,
lately, helping to bring in family income are a source of considerable stress.
In addition, societal expectations of childbearing and resultant infertility,
cultural pressure for the birth of male children, all add to the reproductive
responsibilities which raise a vulnerability of women to mental health
disorders. Lastly, biological factors also play a key role in determining
various factors of mental health especially during the events of reproductive
lifecycle such as pregnancy, postpartum periods, and menopause.
Meeting these challenges requires that public health and
social policies emphasize improving the social status of women while responding
to a broad spectrum of women's needs in health. Improve social and mental health
services, programs that increase the skills of professionals.