Women’s mental health: Warning signs to look out for, 7 empowering tips

In today’s society, even though awareness regarding mental health has increased, it is still not being adopted by all folks and the challenges faced by women, in particular are often ignored. It is important to address the mental health needs of women because they experience unique stressors and challenges such as societal expectations, hormonal changes and caregiving duties.
Focusing on these issues will allow you to help women, promote gender equality and improve their overall health and resilience.
In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Swati Dubey, Counselling Psychologist – Dept of Mental Health and Behavioural Sciences at Fortis Hospitals in Mumbai, shared, “Women need to prioritise their mental well-being for several key reasons. Women tend to face more societal demands and responsibilities, such as balancing work, family, and home life. This can lead to increased pressure and anxiety. Additionally, women are more susceptible to specific mental health conditions like Depression and stress, due to biological factors, hormonal changes, and life events like pregnancy or menopause. Ignoring mental health can have significant impacts on women’s lives as well as those of their families and communities. By prioritising their mental well-being, women can live happier and more fulfilling lives.”
Swati Dubey asserted that as a woman, if you notice the following warning signs related to your physical or psychological health, it is important to consider seeking mental health support –
According to Swati Dubey, women can empower themselves to take charge of their mental health through a variety of proactive strategies and self-care practices, such as –
Swati Dubey answered, “When women invest on their mental well-being, it brings numerous advantages tailored to their specific needs. It enables them to navigate the challenges of balancing various roles and responsibilities. Improved mental health strengthens their emotional resilience, allowing them to cope better with societal expectations, hormonal changes, and life transitions. Prioritizing their mental well-being enhances their ability to build fulfilling relationships, pursue their goals, and maintain a sense of overall balance. By investing in their mental health, women empower themselves, leading to healthier and more fulfilling lives that contribute to gender equality.”
She concluded, “Women must prioritise their mental health and get support that meets their specific needs. Women experience challenges and pressures that can affect their mental well-being, such as societal demands, hormonal changes, and caring for others. By recognising and addressing these gender-based issues and offering tailored support, women will be able to overcome numerous obstacles in life with strength and self-assurance.”
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.