Emotional Health and Women

Many of the roles played by women have dramatically changed. Gone are the days when women were expected to play second fiddle to their male counterparts. While there is still progress to be made, things have come a long way. Women are ever-present in all areas, though there are still many roles that fall upon women to fulfill. One could argue that the demands upon many women have just increased rather than trading some roles for others. Along with these new roles come challenges that impact us not only physically but emotionally as well.

Flexibility and determination often help us to succeed. Empowerment can help one to overcome challenges, though this can be a lot if you are juggling roles as a boss, mother, friend, mentor, daughter, the list goes on. Despite having a full-time career many women then go home to a second full time job. It is, therefore, not surprising that a significant number of women report feeling remarkably overwhelmed. No matter how strong and resilient one may be, we all become overwhelmed when we have too much on our plates.

If you are one of these women, know that you are not alone. There are 29 million other American women who are experiencing symptoms of a behavioral health disorder, says the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. As we all know, there are likely many more who do not report symptoms and remain untreated. You are not alone, therapy can help. Early intervention can make a world of difference in combating your overwhelm and finding relief from intrusive symptoms you may be experiencing.

The Myth of the “Weaker Sex”

Throughout history women have been painted as the “weaker sex” despite excessive evidence to the contrary. Men are painted as strong and women as the “damsel in distress”. While we know this to be nothing more than myth and fallacy, it can impact the way one views themselves.

Statistically women tend to experience more violence, trauma and are even statistically more susceptible to some conditions such as depression and anxiety. While statistics show this, it is widely believed that some of this is due to myths and perceived notions regarding the different genders. Women are more likely to seek treatment, report injustices and/or symptoms of a behavioral health condition. It is likely that this contributes to some of the statistical differences between men and women.

The American Psychological Association (APA), reports that women experience depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) at a higher rate than men, about 40 percent higher than men. It is believed that this could be due to a tendency to internalize symptoms and focus on other roles rather than focusing on taking care of themselves.

There are certain influences that may increase women’s risk for depression and anxiety. Women experience dramatic hormonal fluctuations and unique biological processes related to menstruation, pregnancy and menopause. Having a high level of estrogen, which incidentally affects emotions, can be a potent factor in a higher tendency to develop depression and anxiety. Motherhood, combined with the stress from work, can be extremely overwhelming, particularly for single moms.

More women statistically experience symptoms of PTSD. Though they may survive and face trauma better than men in some cases, it is interesting that women are more likely to develop PTSD after traumatic exposure. Studies also reveal that women are more likely to develop eating disorders, though there are many men who experience eating disorders as well.

WHO: The Role of Gender

According to the World Health Organization, gender disparities play a role in the development of emotional health concerns. Though the “Overall rates of psychiatric disorder are almost identical for men and women, … striking gender differences are found in the patterns of emotional illness.” In fact, gender is regarded as a “critical determinant” of emotional conditions and the state of emotional health.

Why gender? WHO says that “Gender determines the differential power and direction men, and women have over the socioeconomic determinants of their emotional health and lives, their social position, status and treatment in society and their susceptibility and exposure to specific emotional health risks.” Thus, there are conditions that are prevalent in men and there are those that are more commonly observed among women. Antisocial personality and the lifetime prevalence rate for alcohol dependence are more likely to be seen in men while depression, anxiety and eating disorders are more common in women.

The World Health Organization shares these women’s emotional health facts:

  • Depressive disorders account for close to 41.9% of the disability from neuropsychiatric disorders among women compared to 29.3% among men.
  • Leading emotional health problems of the older adults are depression, organic brain syndromes and dementia. The majority are women.
  • An estimated 80% of 50 million people affected by violent conflicts, civil wars, disasters, and displacement are women and children.
  • Lifetime prevalence rate of violence against women ranges from 16% to 50%.
  • At least one in five women experience rape or attempted rape in their lifetime.

Confidently Succeeding with Counseling

Being a woman comes with its own unique set of challenges. These challenges often lead to overwhelm and other types of concerns. You are not alone in facing these challenges. Counseling can help.

Take care of yourself and your emotional health. Find the help and confidence you need with a caring expert independently contracted with Carolina Counseling Services – Cameron, NC. Call today to schedule your first appointment.

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