Gender Matters: Women and Mental Health
February 20, 2025
Men and women experience life differently, often shaped by external influences and societal expectations. Although anyone can face mental health challenges, gender truly does matter when discussing and seeking treatment for psychiatric disorders.
For example, did you know that women are more likely to develop certain mental health conditions than men are? Or that women often exhibit different symptoms of mental illness?
Only by acknowledging and understanding these differences can we hope to develop effective treatment options that truly cater to women’s unique needs.
So let’s learn more about mental health in women, including commonly diagnosed disorders and the importance of tailored approaches in mental health care.
The State of Women’s Mental Health
Women are more likely than men to experience common mental health disorders.
This disparity may be attributed to several factors, including biological, social and environmental influences that uniquely affect women.
Hormonal differences, such as those experienced during menstruation, pregnancy and menopause, can significantly impact a woman’s mental health, contributing to mood disorders and heightened emotional sensitivity.
Women also often face unique societal stressors. For example, women are frequently tasked with balancing career aspirations, family responsibilities and societal norms regarding appearance and behavior. This juggling act can lead to feelings of inadequacy and burnout. Additionally, women may experience gender discrimination and inequality in various contexts, including the workplace and personal relationships, which can further exacerbate stress and anxiety. Issues such as harassment, sexual abuse, societal pressures to conform to unrealistic beauty standards and the stigma surrounding mental health can make it challenging for women to seek help or maintain their well-being.
Environmental factors can also contribute to mental health challenges in women. This may include having limited access to resources like quality healthcare, mental health services and supportive community networks can vary widely based on socio-economic status and location, impacting women’s ability to seek help. Workplace environments that are hostile or discriminatory can also contribute to elevated stress levels, diminishing job satisfaction and overall well-being. Additionally, life transitions, such as moving, starting a family, or experiencing trauma, can create additional stressors that affect mental health.
In many cases, societal pressures, gender roles and environmental constraints play a huge role in shaping mental health outcomes for women.
Common Mental Health Issues in Women
Let’s look into some of the most prevalent mental health issues among women. Understanding the prevalence of these conditions in women and how they manifest is a vital first step in raising awareness and promoting early intervention, which can significantly improve outcomes for women affected.
Anxiety in women
Women are twice as likely to experience anxiety disorders than men are. These disorders include generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder and more. Women are more prone to anxiety due to hormonal fluctuations, societal expectations and historical trauma. The pressure to conform to traditional gender roles, combined with the stress of balancing one’s work, family and personal life, can significantly contribute to the development of anxiety disorders in women.
Moreover, women are often socialized to prioritize the needs of others over their own, which can lead to chronic stress and anxiety. The unique triggers and symptoms of anxiety in women are important to understand to develop effective coping strategies and treatment plans.
Depression in women
Depression is another significant issue for women, with approximately 1 in 9 women struggling with this condition. Postpartum depression is particularly noteworthy, as this condition affects new mothers and can impact their ability to care for their newborns and themselves.
Additionally, women may experience depression due to societal pressures, such as unrealistic beauty standards and career expectations. The stigma surrounding mental health issues can also prevent women from seeking the help they need, exacerbating their symptoms and delaying recovery.
ADHD in women
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) often goes underdiagnosed in women due to differences in symptom presentation compared to men. Women with ADHD may experience inattentiveness, disorganization and emotional dysregulation. Unlike men, who often display hyperactive and impulsive behaviors, women with ADHD tend to internalize their symptoms, making them less noticeable and more challenging to diagnose.
This discrepancy in symptom presentation means that many women may go undiagnosed or misdiagnosed, leading to untreated symptoms and increased risks of developing co-occurring mental health disorders, such as anxiety and depression. Raising awareness about ADHD in women and promoting research into gender-specific manifestations of the disorder can improve diagnostic accuracy and lead to more effective treatment strategies. Common symptoms of ADHD in women include:
- Difficulty focusing
- Forgetfulness
- Poor time management
- Emotional sensitivity
These symptoms can have a profound impact on a woman’s personal and professional life, leading to challenges in maintaining relationships and achieving career goals.
Suicide in women
Suicidal ideation, thinking and behavior is more common in women than in men. However, while women are more likely to attempt suicide, men die by suicide more frequently. Men and women also opt for different suicide methods, with men often opting for more violent methods (such as use of a firearm) and women often opting for self-medication and overdose.
Despite these differences, suicide is a leading cause of death among women, particularly young women. Risk factors such as depression, anxiety, substance abuse and previous suicide attempts should be closely monitored to help create preventative strategies and support networks.
Social isolation, lack of access to mental health care and experiences of trauma or abuse are significant risk factors for suicide in women. Building strong, supportive communities and promoting mental health awareness can play an important role in preventing suicide and saving lives. Encouraging open conversations about mental health and reducing stigma can also empower women to seek help and support when they need it most.
Addressing Women’s Mental Health
Women should feel empowered to prioritize their mental health and seek out resources that cater to their unique needs and circumstances. There are many different treatment options for women struggling with mental health issues depending on the disorder and severity of the condition. Common treatment methods often include a combination of therapy, medication, lifestyle changes and more.
One helpful option is to seek a mental health program for women. These programs cater to the unique mental health challenges of women and provide a welcoming environment for women to share their experiences with one another. Women in these programs may feel more comfortable and empowered to make lasting changes benefiting long-term mental health.
Mental Health Care For Women Is Available
Women deserve mental health care that truly understands them. Whether you’re a woman experiencing mental health issues or a family member trying to help, seeking professional guidance and building a strong support system can make a significant difference.
At St. Simon’s By-The-Sea, we are happy to provide an inpatient mental health program specifically designed for women. Our program provides crisis intervention services, medication management, recreational therapy and more on the picturesque Saint Simons Island of Georgia.
If you’d like to learn more about our women’s inpatient program, do not hesitate to reach out to us by completing our contact form or giving us a call at 800-821-7224.
If you or a loved one is experiencing a mental health crisis, CALL 988 or seek the nearest emergency room.
For physical health emergencies, CALL 911 or get to the nearest emergency room.
