Women’s Mental Health

The MIND 24-7 Team | October 5, 2022

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, nearly 1 in 5 American women will experience a mental health condition in their lifetime.

While both men and women can experience the same mental disorders, certain issues such as depression and anxiety are more prevalent in women than in men. Women are twice as likely to experience Generalized Anxiety Disorder than men, and serious mental illness is 70% more prevalent in women than in men.

Certain events in a woman’s life lend to higher rates of mental illness. Exposure to domestic violence makes a woman 3 to 4 times more likely to develop mental health disorders and up to 20 percent of women who give birth experience postpartum depression.

While there are many different mental health disorders people can suffer from, signs of a struggle often look similar. Symptoms of mental disorders can present differently between men and women, but some signs to look out for include:

  • Persistent sadness or feelings of hopelessness
  • Misuse of alcohol and/or drugs
  • Dramatic changes in eating or sleeping habits
  • Appetite and/or weight changes
  • Decreased energy or fatigue
  • Excessive fear or worry
  • Seeing or hearing things that are not there
  • Extremely high and low moods
  • Irritability
  • Social withdrawal
  • Suicidal thoughts

It is important for women to take a break and check in on their own mental health. As women are oftentimes caregivers of some capacity, they put others’ needs in front of their own, be it their children, spouse, or even coworkers. It is okay to prioritize your mental health, and it is also okay to not be okay. Taking care of your mental health can look different to everyone, and if you aren’t ready to seek treatment, here are some tips that could positively impact your mental health:

  • Implementing a healthy diet and prioritizing proper nourishment
  • Focusing on exercising for at least 20 minutes a day
  • Do one thing for yourself every day, even if that’s just reading a few pages of a book

If you are ready to seek treatment, it is readily available for those struggling with their mental health. MIND 24-7 offers around-the-clock access to affordable mental health care, any time you or a loved one need it. Be seen in about 15 minutes by a clinical professional 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, with no need for an appointment. JUST WALK IN THE DOOR!

If you or a loved one need help, call 844-646-3247 or stop by one of our three locations across the Greater Phoenix area today to discuss your options with a provider.