Columbia Mental Health is dedicated to supporting your mental health. If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts, we encourage you to reach out for immediate support through your local crisis services by dialing 988, contacting your local emergency services, or visiting your local emergency room.
A variety of elements come together in shaping women’s mental health. Societal expectations, hormonal changes, biological and genetic factors, caregiving responsibilities, and, in some cases, exposure to trauma, all play a role in women’s day-to-day inner lives. If you ever feel overwhelmed, you’re not alone.
Getting support through mental health care isn’t selfish or self-indulgent. It’s what you deserve for a healthier, happier future.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIH), in 2022, the prevalence of mental health conditions in women was 26.4%. That's higher than 19.7% for men.1
Identifying roadblocks to mental health in women
Though individuals who identify as women are more likely to seek mental health care than men, barriers to care still exist. Some of those boundaries include:
Daily demands
Many women balance a range of responsibilities, including career, home life, and community involvement. For some, this may include caregiving roles for children, aging parents, friends, or others. These responsibilities can make it harder to prioritize personal health, especially when guilt or internalized pressure discourages self-care.
Financial or insurance barriers
Even women with insurance may face high copays, limited mental health coverage, or difficulty finding the providers they desire in-network. Women in lower-income households are especially likely to delay or forgo care due to cost. Another barrier can be the cost of childcare while attending therapy. Columbia Mental Health accepts most major insurance plans and will help clients understand their coverage.
Shame or fear of judgment
Stigma continues to impact how women view their emotional needs. Some may worry that seeking help will make them appear “weak,” “unstable,” or ungrateful for a life that others may view as good or even “perfect.” These feelings can be reinforced by cultural, religious, or family expectations to practice self-sacrifice. While this can be a noble character trait, persistent self-sacrifice can also lead to resentment or symptoms of depression over time.
Past negative experiences with medical providers
People who identify as women, especially women of color, may have encountered medical settings where they felt dismissed or unheard. These experiences can lead to an overall mistrust in the healthcare system and reluctance to pursue needed support. LGBTQIA+ individuals may also have had experiences with medical professionals who don’t affirm their identity.
At Columbia Mental Health, we’re committed to inclusive care for both cisgender and gender-diverse individuals. From our intake team that will match you with a provider who is a good fit to our provider team who focuses on individualized treatment, our goal is to make you feel heard, seen, and supported.
Lack of time or emotional energy
Mental health care requires not just scheduling but emotional bandwidth. Many women are stretched thin and feel too depleted to start therapy, even if they know it could help. Starting care can feel like “just one more thing” to add to their long list of to-dos. When this happens, mental health care can be shelved for another day and replaced by “zoning out” in front of the TV at the end of the day, or scrolling social media to relax.
Columbia Mental Health is committed to removing barriers to mental health for everyone who needs support. We also offer both in-person and telehealth options that work for your life.
What does women’s mental health really mean?
Good mental health in women means having the emotional capacity to manage daily stress without over-relying on unhealthy coping mechanisms like binge-watching TV for hours on end, alcohol, or other substances. It also means maintaining relationships while caring for yourself, being able to relax without worrying, having a healthy relationship with your body, and being able to process your emotions rather than being swept up in or disconnected from them.
Much like physical health, mental health can fluctuate. It’s normal and healthy to feel mentally and emotionally strong in certain periods of life and struggle in others. Many aspects play a role in mental wellness, including biological, social, and psychological factors. Major life transitions, physical health traumas, social stressors, discrimination, family dynamics, and the state of your relationships are all important considerations.
Setting healthy boundaries and feeling supported gives women a greater sense of overall mental well-being. Therapy can help people who identify as women develop habits that will help them protect their health and build a more sustainable life.
Signs of mental wellness in women
Mental wellness doesn’t mean always feeling “okay.” It means noticing what you’re feeling, giving yourself compassion, and seeking support when needed.
You can identify how you feel
Being able to identify and express your emotions is a sign of mental stability. If you’re frequently unsure whether you’re angry, anxious, or sad, or feel all of them at once, it might help to slow down and explore what’s going on beneath the surface.
Your sleep and appetite are consistent
Changes in sleep and appetite can be some of the earliest signs of stress or depression. If you’re frequently skipping meals, stress-eating, staying up too late, or waking in the middle of the night, your mind and body may be signaling that support is needed.
You’re able to focus and follow through most of the time
Everyone gets distracted sometimes. But if it feels impossible for you to get through your to-do list, follow a conversation, or remember simple tasks, that could be a sign of burnout, anxiety, or depression.
You have strong connections to others
Whether it’s a partner, a sibling, a friend, or a coworker, having at least one or two people in your life whom you feel comfortable confiding in is important. A sense of emotional connection to someone can improve your ability to manage stress and reduce feelings of isolation.
Your coping skills support you instead of depleting you
“Wine mom” is a pop-culture term that normalizes drinking wine after work to de-stress or handle the pressures of being a parent, but habits like these offer only short-term relief, without solving the root problem. Healthier coping might look like movement, calling a friend, journaling, or setting boundaries that help create more space for you to relax and take time for yourself.
Creating routines and habits that lead to improved mental health can feel like a luxury for many women. However, the truth is that prioritizing your mental wellness isn’t a frivolous want, but a need. At Columbia Mental Health, we understand the importance of women prioritizing their mental health, so we work with our clients to create treatment plans that work for their availability and unique needs.
Common mental health conditions that women experience
Women are more likely to be diagnosed with depression and anxiety, but also more likely to have their symptoms dismissed. Mental health conditions look different for everyone, but there are some commonalities across a variety of women from different backgrounds, age ranges, and experiences:
- Depression: Women are twice as likely to experience depression. This can be related to hormone shifts, trauma, and stress from work or home life.
- Anxiety disorders: Worry, irritability, panic attacks, and sleep problems are common symptoms for women experiencing anxiety.
- Perinatal mental health: Perinatal mental health includes a spectrum of concerns that may arise during pregnancy or after giving birth, not just postpartum depression. These may include anxiety, obsessive thoughts, or mood fluctuations that interfere with your daily life.
- Postpartum depression (PPD): This type of depression affects up to one in seven women after childbirth.2 Women can have a variety of difficult or scary thoughts when experiencing PPD.
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): This is often caused by interpersonal violence, or sexual or domestic abuse.
- Eating disorders: While not exclusive to women, these disorders typically affect more women than men and are frequently tied to control, perfectionism, or shame.
Women, especially women of color and LGBTQIA+ individuals, may experience delayed diagnosis or dismissal of symptoms due to bias in medical and mental health care. At Columbia Mental Health, we make every client feel respected and supported. We’ll collaborate with you to develop a treatment plan that meets you where you are and helps you get to where you want to go.
When women don't get the support they need
When people “push through” difficult day after difficult day without prioritizing their health, that habit can lead to higher levels of stress, isolation, and physical health concerns. Therapy offers a safe place to process the challenging aspects of having a career, managing community responsibilities, being a friend, having a family, or handling your day-to-day responsibilities. With the right support, you can develop the skills to show up for yourself and others.
In severe cases, untreated mental health conditions can lead to thoughts of suicide, which are more common than many people realize. Recognizing these conditions early and seeking treatment can save your life.
Building women’s mental health awareness is just the beginning. Decide today that it’s worth learning about and pursuing. Finding professional support means having a partner with whom you can be honest and vulnerable. An effective treatment plan will help you identify goals and equip you with the tools you need to reach them.
Find your unique path toward women's health today
Columbia Mental Health offers personalized therapy, psychiatric medication management, and advanced interventional treatments like Spravato® and NeuroStar® TMS under the guidance of a team that understands the unique challenges of women from all walks of life. We’re proud to be in-network with most major insurance plans, including Medicaid and Medicare, and help clients find care that fits who they are. To find out more about our services, call 703.682.8208.
For new clients, please click here to schedule an appointment. For existing clients, please click here and find your office location to contact your office directly.
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