Comprehensive Guide on Women's Mental Health and Stress

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Published May 20, 2024

Did you know that mental health illnesses are more prevalent among women than their male counterparts? Anxiety in women is considered one of the most common mental health illnesses that they suffer from. Research indicates that 1 in every 5 women (19%) faces mental health challenges, compared to men whose statistics stand at 1 in every 8 men (12%). Mental health is important, and women's mental health in particular deserves more attention. This is because of the unique challenges and pressure that women face.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, women get hormonal changes at different stages of life, and this affects their mental health. For instance, during their menstrual cycle, some women suffer from premenstrual dysphoric disorder. When pregnant, others are prone to perinatal depression. When menopause sets in, some women get perimenopausal depression.

Anxiety-in-Women

As a woman, you need to prioritize your mental health since the issues you face can take a toll on you. While you navigate through life, it is important to understand your mental health in order to enjoy quality life. Early detection of mental health issues allows you to:

l Prevent escalation of the issue.

l Reduce the impact of mental health on daily activities.

l Improve treatment outcome.

l Prevent long-term impact.

l Reduce stigma associated with mental health issues.

l Promote resilience.

l Avoid strain on family and other relationships.

Stress refers to how your body responds to threatening or challenging situations in life. Everyone, despite their gender experiences stress due to different factors in life. However, women tend to internalize and normalize stress, leading to more challenges in mental health. Worse still, most women shy away from seeking medical treatment for stress due to the stigma associated with mental health.

As a woman struggling with mental health and stress, there are certain stress management techniques that you can adopt. Meditation and mindfulness are some of the relaxation techniques that have proven useful in stress management. The American Psychological Association defines meditation as the ability to train your attention to attain positive emotions and calm concentration. You need to understand that it may be a while before you master the art of mindfulness meditation. However, regular practice will make you discover that it is a powerful approach for stress relief and overall wellness.

Did you know that taking care of yourself is not a selfish act? If you didn't, now you know. In this regard, it is important to consider different self-care practices as one of the stress management techniques for women. Self-care practices do not have to be expensive. For instance, you can choose to go for a walk either alone or with a friend. If it is within your budget, you can also consider a massage as this will enhance your wellness.

A stress journal is also among mental health tips that you can consider if you are struggling with stress. When you express your feelings and thoughts in a journal, this can enhance your mental health. Since writing a journal about negative experiences can increase stress and depression symptoms, you can practice keeping a gratitude journal. As a stress coping mechanism, a journal offers a great alternative if you are either disabled or sick and cannot engage in any form of physical exercise.

You cannot underestimate the role of proper nutrition in stress relief and management. Experts on women's mental wellness strategies reveal that certain foods assist in stress management. These include:

l Avocado (Rich in Omega 3 fatty acids).

l Whole grains (Increase serotonin, a mood-boosting hormone).

l Dark chocolate (Rich in antioxidants).

l Fish (Rich in Omega 3).

l Warm milk (Rich in Calcium).

l Nuts (Rich in B Vitamins and fatty acids).

l Strawberries and oranges (Rich in Vitamin C).

l Probiotics (Good for a healthy gut).

We attach more meaning to food than the nourishment aspect. When stressed, some people turn to food for emotional eating. Ensure that you resist the impulse of stress-eating to keep off unhealthy weight and avoid accelerated stress.

While it is admirable to embrace self-care practices when dealing with stress, you need to also normalize seeking professional help. In cases where stress becomes increasingly overwhelming, do not shy away from seeking support from a psychologist, licensed therapist, and support groups.