Mental health is one of the most pressing challenges in health care today. Particularly important are issues relating to the mental health of girls and women.

Women are subjected to a variety of psychological stresses due to their unique nature and duties at home and in society. Some psychological issues, such as depression, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorder, are known to affect women more than men and make them more vulnerable.

Women are more vulnerable to poor mental health due to social and economic circumstances than men. Women may also face significant psychological anguish and disorders due to reproductive health issues. However, women find it simpler to express their emotions and have greater social networks, both of which can benefit their mental health and general well-being.

What are the most important challenges that affect the mental health of women?

The rate of women’s despair and anxiety increase during pregnancy, childbirth, and years beyond due to factors such as:

1. Hormonal changes in the body during pregnancy or after childbirth.

2. Hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle and after menopause.

3. Significant life events and stressors associated with caring for a newborn.

4. Additional pressures in daily life are faced by many women due to work and home responsibilities, childcare responsibilities, as well as caring for aging parents.

5. In traditional societies, women are sometimes subjected to some forms of persecution, violence, poverty, and relationship difficulties, all of which contribute to mental impairment.

Below, are the most prevalent issues related to women’s mental health. These may result from hormonal changes, pregnancy, and the beginning of the child-rearing period:

1.  Depression

Scientists have confirmed that hormones directly affect the brain chemistry that controls emotions and mood, which makes women more prone to depression than men. This is especially true during pregnancy and postpartum months when hormonal changes affect women’s moods and emotions more intensely than they do in men.

A person suffering from this can experience feelings of sadness, guilt, loss of self-esteem, disturbed sleep or appetite, and fatigue, limiting their ability to function and maintain relationships throughout their day-to-day basis.

2. Premenstrual Syndrome

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMS) is characterized by hormonal changes around ovulation and before menstruation begins, or during the transition to menopause, during which some women are at increased risk of depression.

3. Persecution

Women may experience social or work persecution during their lives, causing them to go through a crisis. Some women can be affected by social pressure upon divorce or due to travel restrictions, while others may suffer workplace discrimination.

4. Psychological problems after health problems

Women face a variety of health problems, including diseases (breast cancer and uterine cancer), and these are major burdens for women across a wide age range.

5. Child loss crisis

Women who lose a child often experience a great deal of stress, resulting in a feeling of constant sadness and depression, and sometimes obsessions, which is where counselors can help with resolving these issues when a crisis occurs.

How women’s mental health can be enhanced?

• Whenever possible, spend some time in nature using the resources that they have. They could spend some time in the little corner in their apartment where they grow plants, their backyard, at the riverbank or going for a walk on the beach or around their neighborhood. The outdoors boost well-being.
• Take a short trip and explore what’s around them. By experiencing the changes in the scenery, you can inspire the desired stimulus and reduce anxiety.
• Get at least 15 minutes of sunshine per day, which is shown to boost vitamin D production and increase your serotonin level to improve your mood.
• Disconnect from electronic devices. Smartphones, tablets, or laptops are great distractions and can become addictive. The constant flow and distraction of messages will stop, and you will be able to relax and reconnect to real life.
• Practice forgiveness. Those who forgive others and themselves have been shown to report better mental health and satisfaction in life. Make new memories by staying in touch with friends and family, staying connected, laughing, and spending time and interacting with them.
• Unwinding exercises like yoga, care reflection, and deep breathing can assist with minimizing general levels of stress.

References :-

1.World Health Organization (2014). Mental Health: a state of well-being. Health Topics. Retrieved on January 25, 2019

2 . Agenda Alliance for Women & Girls at Risk (n.d.). Women’s Mental Health Facts, Retrieved on January 25, 2019,

3.webteb site – Women’s Mental Health.