For many years mental health had been a taboo for society. Over time these thoughts have been challenged and have created a safer environment for different types of mental disorders. Many of these times, these types of mental illnesses were not treated and People were tormented all their lives for not being able to care for and treat their mental health. Speaking about the history of mental health and how this taboo has been becoming more normalized, women play an essential role in the treatment and study of these diseases.
For a long time women are labeled “hysterical” “crazy” “sentimental” “weak” and many more. But is there really any difference between what women and men feel? What mental illnesses are most common in women?
The battle against women's mental health is one of the most difficult issues facing mental health. For starters, it can be difficult to diagnose serious illnesses such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression, and anxiety. The social stigma associated with these types of mental health conditions is perhaps the most difficult barrier to the care and treatment of these diseases. Women are disproportionately affected by patients' unwillingness to seek care for mental health problems, partly because women are more vulnerable than men, but that does not mean that they are more complicated.
In addition to gender, Sociocultural influences and factors have a significant impact on women. There has been a long tradition in society that women have been entrusted at home with all the primary responsibilities of raising children and taking care of their family. Although gender roles have changed in our society with women taking on more powerful jobs and men staying at home to take care of children, women still face a significant amount of stress, which can trigger different disorders such as anxiety and depression.
Unfortunately, women have been sexualized in our culture, whether through magazines, movies, television shows, etc. There are several studies that show that this Repeated negative sexualization can interfere with the healthy development of female self-esteem and self-image. These factors can lead to depression, anxiety, stress and guilt, and can negatively affect women's mental health.
According to the World Health Organization, women are twice as likely as men to experience mental health problems such as depression, eating disorders, and panic disorders. Women are also two to three times more likely than men to attempt suicide, although men commit suicide four times more often. Whether male or female, old or young, rich or poor, each patient has their own unique experience in women's mental health. Although the signs and effects of women-specific mental health disorders are similar, women also face different obstacles than men regarding how they view and interpret symptoms and how treatment methods are formulated.
If you or someone close to you has a mental disorder, don't wait to seek treatment. Whatever the reason for delaying treatment for a woman's mental health disorder, whether because “it's not the right time” or because she feels embarrassed or scared, Remember that the sooner you get help, the sooner you will begin a new life free from the limitations of mental illness.
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ABOUT
My name is Camila Kettenhofen, I am Mexican and I have lived in the United States for four years. I am currently in my last semester of studying Psychology at the University of North Texas. Upon graduation, I plan to pursue a master's degree in Child Psychology. I have always really liked psychology and I am passionate about learning and trying to understand how everything works around the world and at the same time, being a facilitator so that people can live a better life with their mental health.
